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Expressing deep concern over the ongoing poor gas supply, leaders of the country's primary textile mills on Sunday demanded immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted energy supply to industries.
They also urged the government to suspend the increased prices of gas for industries and captive power plants, arguing that their operations are severely affected, pushing factories to the verge of shutdown.
They recommended the government to adopt a mid- and long-term strategy and roadmap, devising the way out of the existing energy crisis and ensuring smooth gas supply.
"If the government doesn't take immediate measures, there would be no requirement of adequate gas pressure as factories will be shut," Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) president Showkat Aziz Russell told a press conference in the city.
An investment worth US$ 70 billion made in the textile and apparel factories, including terry towel, is under threat due to the ongoing gas and working capital crises, he said, adding that export earnings would decline as production activity is hampered.
As a result, there will be a negative impact on foreign reserves which will hinder the government's recent initiatives to repair the macro economy.
In 1971, intellectuals were killed and in 2025 not only the industries but also the entrepreneurs are being killed, he commented.
"Factories are being strangled through anti-industry activities," he said, adding that if industries are not saved, there would be a famine.
Despite repeated commitments for ensuring adequate gas supply against gas price hikes, industries are not getting enough of the energy though they have to pay utility bills and bank interests, he said.
In such a situation, he added, there is no guarantee that factories will be able to pay wages and festival allowances ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez said that factories cannot use more than 60 per cent of their production capacities due to the gas crisis.
The government has failed to provide adequate gas supply to industries despite price hikes and repeated commitments for the same, and is now putting a deadline to pay wages, he said.
He also raised a question how they would pay workers and other bills, including high bank interest, if they cannot operate.
Hossain Mehmood, Chairman of Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BTTLMEA), suggested coordination among the distribution companies to improve gas supply.
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