Leaders of Bangladesh’s primary textile mills have raised an urgent alarm over the worsening gas supply crisis, calling on the government to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure uninterrupted energy for industrial operations. At a press conference on Sunday, they warned that without swift intervention, many factories face imminent shutdown.
Bangladesh Textile Mills Association President, Showkat Aziz Russell, demanded the government suspend the recent hike in gas prices for industrial users and captive power plants, noting that the dual blow of poor supply and increased costs is crippling factory operations.
“If urgent action isn’t taken, there will soon be no need for gas at all—because factories will be forced to shut down,” said Russell. He pointed out that an estimated $70 billion in investments across textile and apparel industries, including terry towel production, is now under serious threat, with falling production likely to hurt export earnings and foreign reserves, undermining macroeconomic stability.
Russell compared the current crisis to the nation’s darkest hour, stating, “In 1971, intellectuals were targeted. In 2025, it’s the entrepreneurs and industries who are being strangled.”
He accused authorities of failing to honor their repeated promises of ensuring adequate gas supply despite raising prices. “Industries are being pushed to the brink, yet utility bills and bank interest payments continue. Under such conditions, there’s no guarantee factories will even manage to pay wages and bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha,” he warned.
Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez echoed these concerns, stating that due to the gas shortage, most factories are running at just 60% capacity. He criticized the government for failing to meet energy commitments while still imposing strict timelines for salary disbursements. “How can we pay workers or service loans when we cannot produce at full capacity?” Parvez asked.
Hossain Mehmood, Chairman of the Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BTTLMEA), urged for better coordination among gas distribution companies to resolve the crisis and restore reliability to energy supplies. Industry leaders jointly called for a comprehensive mid- and long-term energy strategy and a clear roadmap to overcome the crisis, protect investment, and sustain industrial growth.
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