BGMEA seeks long-term plan to tackle energy crisis

BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan placed several specific proposals before the government for both immediate and structural solutions for ensuring smooth supply of energy in a press conference at the BGMEA Complex

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address the country’s energy crisis, urging the government to simultaneously increase gas supply, expand LNG storage and upgrade the distribution network serving industrial areas.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the apparel industry needs a sustainable energy solution rather than temporary measures, as manufacturers continue to work to maintain production and meet export shipment deadlines.

“The apparel industry needs a long-term solution to the country’s energy situation. BGMEA members have continued their efforts to maintain production and meet shipment deadlines,” he said.

Recently, BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan placed several specific proposals before the government for both immediate and structural solutions for ensuring smooth supply of energy in a press conference at the BGMEA Complex.

Supply, storage and distribution must move together

Mahmud said the industry welcomes the government’s short-term response to the energy shortage but wants a comprehensive roadmap covering immediate, medium-term and long-term requirements.

He said energy authorities have already outlined plans for the three periods, but implementation must address both supply and distribution constraints.

“Two things have to happen simultaneously — increasing supply and fixing the distribution lines,” he said.

The BGMEA has therefore urged the government to pursue additional LNG supplies while expanding storage capacity and strengthening the distribution network.

The association has also called for the development of land-based LNG storage facilities to improve the country’s ability to manage supply disruptions.

Renewables and offshore exploration

As part of a longer-term response, BGMEA has called for greater investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power, by apparel manufacturers.

Mahmud said the association has applied for green financing to support investment in renewable energy and solar projects in garment factories.

He also urged the government to accelerate offshore gas exploration to strengthen domestic energy supplies.

The government has already floated tenders for offshore exploration, he said, adding that several internationally recognised companies have expressed interest in participating.

According to Mahmud, a sustainable solution will require a combination of immediate measures to stabilise industrial gas supplies and long-term efforts to develop domestic energy resources.

He stressed the need to ensure reliable gas supplies to industrial zones while investing in infrastructure capable of reducing the sector’s vulnerability to future disruptions.

BGMEA seeks single licensing framework

Beyond energy, the BGMEA president outlined a series of proposals aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of doing business.

He said an apparel entrepreneur currently needs around 21 licences to operate a business and proposed bringing trade, import, export and factory-related licences under a single integrated licensing framework.

He also proposed allowing professional audit firms to conduct audits related to bonded warehouse licences, which he said could reduce procedural delays and improve transparency.

Permanent cargo facility sought at airport

The BGMEA has also urged the government to establish a permanent cargo facility at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, citing concerns that imported raw materials sometimes remain exposed to open-air conditions.

The association has proposed practical amendments to the Bangladesh National Building Code and called for improved healthcare facilities for garment workers.

Mahmud said a 100-bed hospital in Mirpur, initiated around 12 years ago for garment workers, is expected to become operational in January or February.

The BGMEA has also sought land in Gazipur to establish another hospital for workers, with financing to be provided by the apparel industry.

Mahmud said ensuring reliable energy supplies, lowering production costs and simplifying regulatory procedures are essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry in global markets.