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.