RMG industry leaders call for tailored solutions to boost renewable energy use in Ctg

Bangladesh’s garment and textile industry needs stronger policy implementation, affordable green financing and shared responsibility across the supply chain to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, industry leaders have said.

They made the remarks at a multistakeholder dialogue organised by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh at Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram on 4 November.

Titled “Promoting Sustainable Apparel and Textile Industry in Bangladesh through Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy Transition: Policy and Implementation Priorities”, the dialogue brought together 40 representatives from trade bodies, manufacturers, trade unions, financial institutions, international brands, NGOs and civil society organisations.

Participants said setting renewable energy targets alone would not ensure progress without clear approval procedures, accessible financing, technical support and predictable business relationships.

Md M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and CEO and director of Clifton Group, said unreliable electricity supply and voltage fluctuations continued to affect machinery, production and business competitiveness.

He called for improvements in electricity infrastructure, energy sector governance and transparency, stressing that factories needed a reliable power supply alongside practical support for renewable energy adoption.

He also pointed out that manufacturers operating in shared buildings with limited infrastructure faced additional difficulties in installing solar systems.

Md Yasin, director of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and managing director of Sonnet Group of Companies Ltd, called for simpler net-metering procedures, tax incentives for solar equipment and affordable financing for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

He said the transition required an inclusive partnership involving manufacturers, brands, workers, financial institutions, NGOs and civil society.

Md Ismail Murad, corporate responsibility manager at Columbia Sportswear Company, said manufacturers operating on tight margins could not be expected to shoulder the entire cost of meeting supply-chain decarbonisation targets.

He stressed the need for long-term sourcing commitments, shared financing arrangements and predictable orders from international brands to make green investments viable.

He also called for simpler net-metering and grid approval procedures in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), accessible green loans and policies to protect and upskill women workers.

Robiul Hoque Shimul, organising secretary of the Bangladesh Labour Federation, said protecting jobs, ensuring fair wages and maintaining safe working conditions must remain central to the energy transition.

Worker representatives also called for stronger social protection, trade union rights and equitable opportunities for workers to acquire new skills as automation advances.

Saiful A Chowdhury, area head for Chattogram at BRAC Bank PLC's Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking Division, outlined the bank's green financing facilities under Bangladesh Bank's refinancing schemes.

He stressed the need to promote these facilities more widely and encourage manufacturers to seek financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening links among manufacturers, financial institutions and technology providers to turn investment plans into practical initiatives.

Civil society representatives raised concerns over energy affordability, accountability, water security and environmental protection. They also stressed the need for factories to conduct energy audits, assess consumption patterns and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

In a keynote presentation, Jannatul Ferdaus, research officer at ETI Bangladesh, discussed the national, sectoral and global context of renewable energy transition and industrial decarbonisation, stressing the importance of moving towards renewable energy.

Abil Bin Amin, executive director of ETI Bangladesh, said energy efficiency and renewable energy investments must advance together, backed by policies and commercial arrangements suited to different factory conditions.

He stressed the importance of fair prices, long-term partnerships and continued dialogue with policymakers to address barriers facing manufacturers and workers.

The dialogue recommended simplifying approval procedures, expanding access to affordable green financing, ensuring shared responsibility across the supply chain, protecting workers and developing renewable energy options beyond factory rooftops.

It also called for combining renewable energy investments with resource efficiency and maintaining dialogue with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.