CED-BRAC University recently hosted a policy dialogue in Dhaka focusing on renewable energy adoption in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and development partners to discuss pathways toward industrial decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing.
The event presented findings from a comprehensive survey covering 878 garment factories located in Gazipur and Narayanganj. The research examined industrial energy consumption patterns, renewable energy adoption levels, emissions profiles, rooftop solar potential, financing challenges and policy opportunities within the sector.
Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, attended the session as chief guest, while Nahian Rahman Rochi, Executive Member of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), joined as special guest.
The session was chaired by Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Pro Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, while opening remarks were delivered by Muhammad Mujibul Haque, Dean of BRAC Business School.
Participants included representatives from government agencies, industry associations, renewable energy experts, factory owners, financial institutions, development organisations, journalists and academic institutions.
Officials from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and other development agencies also took part in the discussions.
A key message emerging from the dialogue was the urgent need for stronger policy-level support and coordinated institutional action to accelerate renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency across Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing sector.
Speakers noted that global sustainability expectations are rapidly evolving, with increasing emphasis on carbon accountability, responsible sourcing, EU due diligence compliance and sustainable supply chain practices.
Industry experts highlighted that these challenges are becoming particularly critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the RMG industry.
During the session, Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood praised the transparency initiatives and policy research conducted under the MiB project by CED-BRAC University, describing the findings as timely and important for understanding current industry challenges and shaping future policy responses.
The dialogue also featured interactive discussions between policymakers and industry stakeholders on practical approaches to improving industrial energy efficiency and expanding solar-based renewable energy solutions within manufacturing facilities.
Participants emphasised that evidence-based policy research, industry-academia collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement will play a critical role in supporting Bangladesh’s long-term sustainable industrial transformation.
