Due to the ongoing energy crisis, production capacity in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector has declined by nearly 50 percent. Experts have emphasized the need for improving energy supply and procurement, adopting short-term strategies, and expanding gas exploration activities to address the crisis.
These issues were highlighted on Thursday (April 9, 2026) at a roundtable discussion titled “Global Energy Crisis: Its Impact on Bangladesh and Action Plan for Mitigation.” The event was organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) with support from the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL). Entrepreneurs from various sectors and government officials were present at the meeting.
In his opening remarks, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed said that Bangladesh imports about 95% of its energy, of which 90% comes through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that geopolitical instability in the Middle East and the dollar shortage have made the country’s energy sector vulnerable. Stocks of diesel, octane, and petrol are declining, and he warned that delays in imports could disrupt transportation and power generation.
He further stated that production capacity in the garment sector has fallen by 50% due to the energy crisis. He added that production costs per bag of cement have increased by 25 to 30 taka, and additional expenses per container range from 500 to 4,000 dollars. In this situation, he recommended strengthening energy supply, procurement, and short-term strategies, as well as increasing gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal to reduce import dependency.
Industry Secretary Obaidur Rahman, speaking as chief guest, said that around 600,000 tons of fertilizer need to be stocked for agricultural use until June. He warned that production shortages due to gas scarcity could lead to a deficit of 400,000 tons.
FBCCI Administrator Abdul Rahim Khan stressed the need to increase energy storage capacity, remove existing tariffs on solar and renewable energy equipment, expand gas exploration, and diversify energy import sources.
BERC Member (Power) Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Shahid Sarwar said there is no alternative to expanding both offshore and onshore natural gas exploration to ensure long-term energy security.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Shibir Bichitra Barua suggested increasing import duties on electric vehicles to encourage the use of renewable energy.
BSREA President Mostafa Al Mahmud said that import duties on solar energy equipment range from 27 to 30 percent, which is a major barrier to the sector’s growth.
A vice president of BGMEA noted that European countries rely more on solar energy, which has helped them face the current energy crisis with comparatively fewer difficulties.
