Bangladesh’s knitwear exporters have highlighted the impact of gas, electricity and fuel shortages on factory production, supply chains and export competitiveness, seeking faster government action, long-term energy planning and policy support to reduce industrial costs.
The concerns were raised when a delegation of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), led by its President Mohammad Hatem, met President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Wednesday.
During the meeting, BKMEA discussed the apparel sector’s current challenges, including energy constraints and Bangladesh’s future competitiveness in global markets.
Mohammad Hatem told the president that recent gas, electricity and fuel shortages were creating pressure on industrial production, supply chains and export capacity.
He thanked the government for taking steps to address energy challenges and called for faster measures to resolve the crisis, long-term planning for energy management and policy support to reduce production costs.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged industrial owners to expand the use of alternative energy sources, including solar power, to address energy challenges.
He said the government was working to keep the growing economy moving and stressed the need for coordinated initiatives so that all stakeholders could benefit.
During the meeting, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem also raised an issue related to a letter submitted by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association.
He informed the president that the Ministry of Commerce had already held discussions with relevant stakeholders and provided directions for the next steps, with the process currently underway.
The president said a letter sent by his office on the matter was intended only to draw the attention of the relevant ministry. Any decision would take into account the views of the concerned ministry and other stakeholders, he said, advising BKMEA to submit a separate letter on the issue.
The president stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen the economy, create employment and provide businesses with opportunities to recover. He also emphasised reducing bank lending rates to encourage investment.
Recognising the contribution of knitwear manufacturers and exporters to Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings, the president thanked the sector for its role in the economy.
The BKMEA delegation included BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice-President Md. Shamsuzzaman, CIP, Vice-President for Finance Morshed Sarwar Sohel, Vice-President Ashiqur Rahman and Vice-President Fakir Kamruzzaman Nahid, along with other board members.
