Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector has witnessed a sharp 25–30% drop in production due to persistent gas and electricity shortages, according to the BGMEA.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan raised the issue in a recent meeting with Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, calling for urgent government intervention to ensure uninterrupted energy supply and maintain global competitiveness.
The crisis has been most severe in key industrial zones like Gazipur and Ashulia, where load-shedding and diesel shortages are disrupting production and delaying shipments. Rising input and transport costs have further intensified pressure on manufacturers.
To address the situation, BGMEA proposed emergency diesel supply arrangements, faster expansion of LNG infrastructure, support for SMEs, and tax reductions on fuel imports. The association also urged policy incentives to accelerate renewable energy adoption, including lower duties on solar equipment.
In response, the government acknowledged the sector’s importance and approved a mechanism for emergency diesel supply to factories, while assuring further steps to ease the energy crisis.
