BGMEA seeks large-scale funding for water management in garment sector
Collected Photo
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for large-scale financing to improve water management, wastewater treatment and recycling in the ready-made garment sector. The organization also urged the expansion of World Bank-supported projects to garment industrial zones outside Dhaka.
BGMEA presented these proposals during a meeting with a high-level World Bank delegation at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, on Wednesday.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that water management is no longer only an environmental issue; it is also directly linked to international trade and global competitiveness. International buyers, including European brands, are placing increasing importance on reducing water use, treating wastewater and recycling water at every stage of garment production.
He noted that wider adoption of water-efficient modern technologies is essential to protect Dhaka’s rivers and groundwater resources, while also maintaining Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel market. However, the high cost of such technologies makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to implement this transition on their own.
The meeting discussed the World Bank-supported “Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Program” (D-WATER) and its $5 million Viability Gap Funding (VGF) pilot project.
BGMEA said that although an initial list of 31 factories had been submitted, the World Bank will begin work with eight factories in the first phase.
The organization stated that current funding and project coverage are inadequate compared with the sector’s vast needs. Significant investment is required for modern water management technologies, wastewater treatment and recycling systems. Due to global economic pressures and difficulties in obtaining fair prices for garments, entrepreneurs face considerable risks in bearing these costs alone.
BGMEA therefore called on the World Bank and other development partners to provide grants, long-term loans and concessional financing with zero or very low interest rates. According to the association, such support would accelerate the green transformation of the garment industry.
The meeting also highlighted infrastructure limitations. Many factories have space for wastewater treatment plants but lack adequate drainage facilities. Small and medium-sized factories also find it difficult to install large treatment facilities individually. In this context, BGMEA proposed transporting industrial waste by trucks or tankers and establishing cluster-based treatment plants in industrial zones.
The association also stressed the need for stability and predictability in environmental policies and regulations to encourage sustainable investment.
The World Bank delegation responded positively to BGMEA’s proposals and assured continued logistical support and international cooperation to accelerate the green and sustainable transformation of Bangladesh’s garment sector.
The World Bank delegation was led by Mara K. Warwick, Regional Director for Sustainable Development in South Asia. Others attending the meeting included BGMEA Director Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin, World Bank Lead Water Specialist David Malcolm Lord, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist Rokeya Ahmed, Water Specialist Md. Mahadi Hasan, and Environmental Specialist Bushra Nishat.
