Energy crisis in industrial sector: Experts urge innovative solutions and strategic coordination

TBM Report

Bangladesh’s once-competitive edge of “cheap gas and affordable labor” is rapidly fading, as domestic natural gas extraction is depleting at an alarming rate of 100 MMCFD annually. During a roundtable discussion organized by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) on Saturday (May 9, 2026), experts and business leaders warned that sustaining industrial growth and employment now requires a shift toward innovative energy solutions, including solar power and energy-efficient technologies.

Chief Guest Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of PPRC and former advisor to the caretaker government, emphasized the need to look beyond traditional energy management. “We must adopt innovative ideas like land-based FSRUs and promote the widespread use of energy-saving equipment,” he stated. He also proposed the formation of a joint Public-Private Partnership (PPP) monitoring cell to bridge the coordination gap between the government and the private sector.

BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) highlighted the grim reality that the era of inexpensive fuel ended after 2022. However, he maintained an optimistic outlook, urging business leaders to present specific technical proposals to the government. “To prevent industrial shutdowns, we must provide the government with data-driven, technical roadmaps that offer a sustainable path forward for energy security,” he said.

The discussion, supported by the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and Greentech Foundation, brought together key stakeholders from the RMG sector and independent power producers. Participants concluded that energy diversification—balancing imported LNG with renewable sources—is the only viable strategy to safeguard the nation’s industrial future in the face of dwindling domestic resources.