PM assures swift action to resolve gas crisis in industrial sector

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured business leaders that the government will take swift measures to address the ongoing gas crisis affecting Bangladesh's industrial sector, while seeking detailed information on factories forced to suspend or scale back production due to inadequate gas supply.

The assurance came during a meeting with business and industry representatives at the Secretariat on Wednesday (July 29), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Showkat Aziz Russell told reporters after the meeting.

According to Russell, discussions focused on gas supply to industries, production disruptions, investment conditions and other challenges facing the manufacturing sector.

He said the government has requested industrial entrepreneurs to submit detailed reports on factories that have either completely shut down or are operating at reduced capacity because of the gas shortage. The reports should include the current operational status of the factories, the extent of financial losses and the specific support required from the government.

"The government is sincerely working to resolve the challenges facing the industrial sector," Russell said, adding that the prime minister's positive approach toward addressing problems in the textile and apparel industries has renewed confidence among entrepreneurs.

He further said the government is trying to gain a clear understanding of the industry's current situation and is giving priority to resolving the crisis. In his view, had the sector received similar policy attention over the past 17 years, the present challenges would not have become so severe.

Business leaders expressed optimism that coordinated efforts between the government and the private sector would gradually ease the gas crisis. They also stressed the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity to maintain normal industrial production and support investment.