Bangladesh’s vibrant textile and garment industry—often hailed as the backbone of the national economy—is now grappling with an existential threat: a deepening energy crisis. As reported recently, gas supply shortages have forced production in major textile hubs like Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Tongi to shrink to a fraction of capacity. Spinning mills, dyeing units, and export factories are running at only 30–40% efficiency, if not entirely idle. This is no longer a warning bell—it’s a red alert.

The textile and RMG industries are responsible for over 85% of the country's export earnings and employ millions of workers, many of whom are women. The sector has transformed Bangladesh into the second-largest apparel exporter globally. Yet, that progress is now undercut by systemic neglect of energy security.

The crisis exposes an inconvenient truth: despite the scale and strategic importance of the textile sector, our national energy planning has failed to match its demands. The industry requires over 2,000 mmcfd (million cubic feet per day) of gas to function optimally. Yet, current supply hovers around 1,000 mmcfd—a shortfall that no business, no matter how resilient, can absorb for long.

In response, many manufacturers are pleading with the government to urgently ramp up LNG imports. While this is a necessary short-term fix, it is not a long-term solution. Relying on imported LNG at volatile global prices adds further uncertainty and undermines competitiveness—especially as rival exporting nations like Vietnam, India, and Turkey modernize with renewable and hybrid energy systems.

It is deeply concerning that more than 500 spinning mills could face shutdowns in the coming months. This not only puts billions of dollars in investments at risk but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of countless workers. Daily losses of BDT 20–25 lakh per mill are unsustainable, and even the most efficient operations will struggle to survive this prolonged squeeze.

Immediate gas allocation prioritization for export-oriented sectors.

Accelerated investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar and captive hybrid systems for industrial zones.

Clear energy supply roadmaps tailored to major manufacturing sectors.

Cross-sector dialogues to ensure that industrial development is matched by energy capacity.

The world is watching Bangladesh as a key player in global fashion and apparel. But the country cannot afford to lose its hard-earned reputation due to preventable energy failures. Industry leaders, policymakers, and energy authorities must come together—not with blame, but with a vision for sustainable industrial growth.

Our factories may stitch garments, but it is energy security that weaves the fabric of Bangladesh’s economic future. Let’s not unravel it.