Bangladesh’s apparel industry faces growing risks from water scarcity, groundwater over-extraction, and pollution, prompting urgent calls for a sustainable water management action plan. At a strategic consultation held in Dhaka recently, industry leaders, researchers, development partners, and regulators warned that heavy reliance on groundwater and weak coordination have pushed key industrial hubs such as Gazipur and Savar into severe water stress.
Speakers emphasized the need for integrated and transparent water data systems, alternative water sources, rainwater harvesting, managed aquifer recharge, digital metering, and stronger government–industry collaboration to protect water security and maintain global competitiveness.
The event, jointly organised by The Business Standard and WaterAid Bangladesh, highlighted that water challenges are no longer sector-specific but a national concern requiring coordinated action. Participants noted that despite Bangladesh leading globally in green factories, falling groundwater levels and scattered data continue to undermine sustainability efforts.
Experts also pointed out that water is still treated as a low-cost or free resource, offering little incentive for factories to invest in efficiency. They called for policy reforms, economic incentives, and buyer support to reward responsible water use and encourage long-term stewardship, stressing that without aligned government and industry action, sustainable water management will remain difficult to achieve.
