On 2 November 2026, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh organised a conference titled “Rapid Energy Transition Conference: Powering Security, Sustainability & Growth in Bangladesh RMG” at Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram. The conference brought together representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA, various stakeholders and business leaders.

At the conference, BGMEA Acting Vice President Enamul Aziz Chowdhury delivered remarks. He thanked ETI Bangladesh for organising this important event and noted that hosting such a conference in Chattogram was particularly timely and relevant.

He emphasised that Bangladesh's RMG industry is not merely a source of export earnings; it is also a major source of employment for millions of people, particularly contributing to women's economic empowerment and supporting the livelihoods of countless families. Therefore, ensuring energy security and accelerating the energy transition are essential to securing the industry's future growth and global competitiveness.

He further highlighted that, in response to global buyers' renewable energy and carbon reduction targets, rooftop solar presents significant opportunities for Bangladesh's RMG industry. A BGMEA survey of 453 factories identified approximately 165 MW of ready solar potential. Meanwhile, the broader RMG sector, comprising around 3,320 factories, has the potential to install a total of 1,768 MWp of rooftop solar capacity, requiring an estimated investment of US$188.2 million.

He also mentioned that BGMEA is already working to promote sustainability in the industry through initiatives such as the UN Fashion Charter, ESG initiatives and technical support. However, successful implementation of the energy transition will require supportive government policies, accessible financing, appropriate technology and coordinated efforts among brands and factory management.

During the concluding session, BGMEA Additional Secretary for the Chattogram Region, Lt Commander Md. Kutubuddin, BN (Retd.), expressed gratitude to ETI Bangladesh on behalf of BGMEA for organising this important conference. He also called upon all relevant stakeholders to work together on energy security, renewable energy and the implementation of future plans for the industry.

The conference emphasised the importance of policy support, investment and collaboration among stakeholders to build an energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive RMG industry in Bangladesh.