বৃহস্পতিবার, ১৭ সেপ্টেম্বর ২০২৬, ০৬:৪৭ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, Sept 17, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan has called for simultaneous measures to increase gas supply, expand LNG storage capacity and upgrade the distribution network for the apparel industry.
“The apparel industry needs a long-term solution to the country’s energy situation, the BGMEA president said at a press conference at the BGMEA Complex today.
Mahmud said BGMEA members have continued their efforts to maintain production and meet shipment deadlines.
The BGMEA has placed several specific proposals before the government for both immediate and structural solutions for ensuring smooth supply of energy.
The BGMEA president said the industry welcomes the government’s short-term response but wants a comprehensive plan covering the immediate, medium-term and long-term requirements of the energy sector.
He said the energy authorities have already presented a plan covering these three periods.
He said the apparel industry also wants the government to develop land-based LNG storage facilities.
Mahmud said that two things have to happen simultaneously — increasing supply and fixing the distribution lines.
The association has therefore urged the government to pursue additional LNG supply, adequate storage and distribution-network expansion at the same time.
The BGMEA has also sought greater use of renewable energy and solar power as part of the industry’s response to the energy crisis.
Mahmud said the association has applied for ‘green loans’ to facilitate investment in renewable energy and solar power in apparel factories.
He also called for accelerated offshore gas exploration to develop a more sustainable domestic energy supply.
He said the government has already floated tenders for offshore exploration and that several internationally recognized companies have expressed interest in participating.
The BGMEA president said solving the energy problem requires a combination of short-term supply measures and long-term domestic energy development.
He said the industry wants the government to ensure reliable gas supply to industrial areas while simultaneously building infrastructure that can reduce vulnerability to future supply disruptions.
Beyond energy, Mahmud said the BGMEA has also raised several measures to reduce the cost and complexity of doing business.
He said an apparel entrepreneur currently needs around 21 licences to operate a business and proposed integrating trade, import, export and factory licences into a single licensing framework.
He also proposed allowing professional audit firms to conduct audits related to bonded warehouse licences to reduce procedural delays and improve transparency.
The BGMEA has sought a permanent cargo facility at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, saying imported raw materials sometimes remain exposed to open-air conditions.
The association has also proposed practical amendments to the Bangladesh National Building Code and sought better 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.
He said the BGMEA has also sought land in Gazipur to construct another hospital for workers with industry financing.
Mahmud said ensuring reliable energy supply, reducing production costs and simplifying business procedures remain essential for sustaining the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
