Dinajpur, a hub for agriculture and rice milling in Bangladesh, is witnessing a significant transformation in its industrial landscape. Seven prominent rice mills in the district have embarked on a journey to enhance their environmental standards and align with global best practices by achieving ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification. This initiative is a part of the Local Economic Development (LED) initiative under the Local Government Division (LGD) and is supported by the “Prabriddhi” project.

The Milestone Event

On November 26, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the selected rice mills and SGS Bangladesh Limited at Hotel Grand Noor in Dinajpur. The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Dinajpur’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) and Acting Administrator of Dinajpur Municipality, Mr. Nur-E-Alam, as the chief guest. Special guests included:

Mr. Mosaddek Hossain, President, Dinajpur Rice Mill Owners Group

Ms. Prabati Rani, Inspector, Department of Environment, Dinajpur

Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin Sarker, Professor, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University

The session also saw active participation from representatives of SGS Bangladesh Limited, including Business Manager Ms. Yasmin Akter, and senior officials from the “Prabriddhi” project, such as Senior Manager Mr. Syed Abu Sufian and Coordinator Mr. Ibrahim Saeed Khan.

A Step Towards Sustainability

This initiative aims to improve the environmental management practices of the rice mills, ensuring compliance with ISO 14001:2015 standards. The selected rice mills include:

• Hriday Auto Rice Mill
• Asia Auto Rice Mill
• Kanchan Auto Rice Mill
• Soha Auto Rice Mill Unit-1
• Bengal Auto Rice Mill
• Bismillah Agro Food
• Messrs Umeda Agro Limited

Under the MoU, SGS Bangladesh Limited will provide guidance on environmental improvements, inspections, testing, verification, and audit activities. This partnership seeks to achieve several objectives:

• Promote sustainable environmental management in the rice milling sector.
• Enhance operational efficiency through EMS implementation.
• Build capacity and skills for sustainable industrial practices.

Empowering Rice Millers

The journey towards ISO certification is being complemented by comprehensive training programs on Environmental Management Systems (EMS). These sessions equip rice millers with the knowledge and tools to integrate international environmental standards into their operations. Through research, innovation, and capacity building, the initiative aims to foster long-term sustainability and efficiency in the rice milling industry.

A Collective Effort

The project’s success lies in its collaborative approach. The event witnessed valuable insights and contributions from various stakeholders, including senior officials from related institutions and industries. By working together, the initiative promises to elevate Dinajpur’s rice mills to a new standard of environmental and operational excellence.

Looking Ahead

As the selected rice mills progress towards ISO 14001:2015 certification, they set a benchmark for the entire rice milling sector in Bangladesh. This initiative not only enhances environmental sustainability but also strengthens the mills’ market competitiveness, both locally and globally.

The “Prabriddhi” project, through its LED initiative, continues to pave the way for industrial growth while ensuring environmental stewardship. With Dinajpur leading the charge, the future of Bangladesh’s rice milling industry looks promisingly green and globally aligned.