Industry leaders have warned that Bangladesh must accelerate its transition to renewable energy if it is to remain competitive in global garment sourcing, as major international buyers increasingly tie procurement decisions to low-carbon production.
Speaking at a policy dissemination event titled Bangladesh Industrial Energy Efficiency Policy, organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and SANEM, BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan said renewable energy had become a “defining benchmark” for global brands amid intensifying sustainability requirements linked to UN climate goals.
She cautioned that Bangladesh risked losing market share if it failed to meet emerging renewable energy expectations, noting that several regional competitors had already accelerated their shift towards clean energy, strengthening their position in global apparel supply chains.
Khan urged the government to make the Merchant Power Purchase Agreement (Merchant PPA) framework more competitive and industry-friendly to support manufacturers in transitioning to renewable sources. A more flexible and cost-effective procurement system, she said, would encourage wider adoption of rooftop solar, captive renewable solutions and green electricity across the manufacturing base.
The event also heard from DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jalal Ahmed, and SANEM Executive Director Dr Selim Raihan, who underscored the importance of energy efficiency and targeted policy incentives in enabling a greener industrial transition.
As sustainability pressures mount worldwide, speakers stressed that Bangladesh’s progress on renewable energy will be critical to safeguarding export resilience, meeting buyer expectations and maintaining compliance competitiveness in the global garment market.
