(RMG) the industry will receive assistance from the government of Holland for cleaner production.

Bangladesh has signed a $6 million 500 thousand memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government of Holland to conduct cleaner clothing production nationwide in Bangladesh.

The goal of this project is to implement a clean and responsible production mechanism in Bangladesh's apparel industry to enhance its long-term competitiveness and sustainable development.

This will help factories upgrade to cleaner production operations and invest in technology to ensure that water consumption is greatly reduced.

Bangladesh has more than 1700 garment washing and dyeing and finishing enterprises, which discharge about 56 million tons of untreated water each year. Textile and garment enterprises are regarded as the second largest polluters in Bangladesh, second only to the leather industry.

The sewage discharged by garment manufacturers not only affects the lives of workers, but also affects the lives of about 6000000 people around.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Ben Knapen, Minister of international cooperation in Holland and AK Khandker, Bangladesh program minister. They said they should strive to promote cleaner production, reduce water consumption, effectively use electricity and reduce chemical emissions.