BGMEA seeks expanded World Bank support for sustainable water management

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The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the World Bank to increase funding and expand its sustainable water management programme to support the green transition of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector.

The call came during an October 7 meeting between BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and a World Bank delegation led by South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development Mara K Warwick at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara.

The meeting reviewed the Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Programme and its $5 million Viability Gap Funding pilot. BGMEA initially proposed 31 factories, but eight were selected for the first phase.

Mahmud Hasan urged the bank to expand both funding and factory coverage, noting that international buyers increasingly require information on water use, wastewater treatment and recycling.

BGMEA said high upfront costs make green investments difficult and called for grants, long-term soft loans or zero-interest financing. It also proposed shared treatment facilities for smaller factories and urged expanding the programme beyond Dhaka.

The association further called for predictable environmental policies and sufficient notice before regulatory changes to help factories plan long-term investments.

The World Bank delegation welcomed the proposals and assured continued support for the RMG sector’s sustainable transition.