Fuel crisis pushes 12 factories in Bhola to brink of closure

Bhola’s BSCIC Industrial Estate is facing severe disruption as an acute fuel shortage threatens to shut down at least 12 factories, putting the livelihoods of more than 500 workers at risk.

Workers at the estate are currently passing idle hours due to the ongoing energy crisis, which has significantly hampered production activities.

Local sources said the industrial estate, established nearly three decades ago with 96 plots, now has 27 operational factories that once provided employment to several thousand people.

However, the recent fuel shortage has drastically reduced production capacity. Factory owner Jamal Uddin Khan said his facility requires 350 to 400 liters of fuel daily, but supplies have fallen far short.

“As a result, production is on the verge of halting. We are paying workers without work, which is not sustainable for long,” he said.

Another factory owner, Fahim Khan, noted that his plant produces puffed rice, flour, wheat products, and school feeding items. “Due to the fuel crisis, production is nearing a complete shutdown. We urge the government to ensure an immediate fuel supply,” he added.

The disruption has also affected transportation, leaving large quantities of unsold goods stranded in factories. Owners say they are struggling to pay wages amid mounting losses.

Workers, including Noman and Sohag, expressed concern over their future. “If the factories shut down, it will be extremely difficult for us to survive with our families. We depend on daily wages,” they said.

Hafizur Rahman, an official of the Bhola BSCIC Industrial Estate, said the issue would be reported to higher authorities and efforts would be made to resolve it promptly.

Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr. Azad Jahan assured that necessary steps would be taken swiftly based on applications from factory owners to maintain normal production.

Factory owners and workers have called for urgent measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to keep the industrial estate operational.