Textile Industry⁣ in Crisis: Bangladesh Struggles with Gas Shortages

Shaukat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), has expressed ⁢concerns about the​ severe gas ⁤crisis affecting the‍ textile industry. Speaking‍ at a press conference at the Karwan Bazar⁢ BTMA office, Russell stated ⁣that ⁣the sector has become dormant due to the ⁣lack of adequate policy support from the government.

The textile industry is currently⁤ operating⁣ at 30% capacity due to gas shortages, resulting in significant losses for manufacturers. Russell emphasized that the industry needs support to recover, suggesting that incentives, such as⁢ those given to smuggled money, could help⁣ revitalize the sector. He ‍also highlighted ⁢the global image crisis faced by the Bangladesh clothing industry.

Despite the importation of ⁤LNG after 18 months,​ the industry is still struggling with gas supply issues. Russell ⁤pointed out that an additional price has been collected, further exacerbating⁣ the problem.

Labor Dissatisfaction and Outsider Interference

Russell attributed labor ⁣dissatisfaction to outsider interference,‌ emphasizing the ‌need for⁤ government protection⁣ to ⁢prevent further disruptions. He ⁣also requested the reorganization of the textile sector’s bank loans to alleviate financial ‌burdens.

BTMA Vice President Abul Kalam revealed that 90% of ⁤factories have yet to receive low-interest loan money issued by the‌ government to pay workers. ​This ‍has‍ led to rumors among workers that the government is providing the money for free.

Gas Price‌ Increases and Bank Cooperation

BTMA ⁢Director Mosharraf Hossain noted that gas prices have⁢ increased almost four times​ during the previous ​government’s tenure. He stressed⁢ that without bank cooperation, it will be challenging for the industry​ to operate in the future.

Khorshed Alam, ‍director of⁤ BTMA, identified four reasons for‍ worker dissatisfaction: salary problems, attempts ⁢to take over businesses, fuel from‌ foreigners, and interference from local political leaders. He​ also highlighted the issue of clothes worth⁤ 1000 crore rupees being smuggled into the‍ country ​from neighboring‌ countries.

Yarn Dumping and⁤ Gas Crisis

Salehuzzaman Jitu, vice president of BTMA,⁤ mentioned that neighboring countries are dumping ‌yarn​ in Bangladesh, ⁤exacerbating⁣ the gas crisis in the ‍Bhulta-Gausia area.

BTMA Director⁤ Rajeev Haider ⁢Munna attributed the gas crisis ‌to‌ the country’s dependence on imports, citing the failure⁤ to dig new wells‌ as a major contributing factor.