Gas crisis in Chittagong

CHITTAGONG is one of our busiest cities with a picturesque natural setting. It boasts of the world's longest natural beach and is the only rugged spot of an otherwise plain land. It is the major coastal seaport that handles bulk of our exports. It is a major commercial hub of the country as it generates for 40 per cent of Bangladesh's industrial output, 80 per cent of its international trade and 50 per cent of government revenues. The city is home to many of the country's oldest and largest industrial units. It is the place from where many important things are transported abroad to earn foreign currency. It is really a matter of regret that the city can not supply sufficient gas for the factories. When these factories are supposed to manufacture exportable products, the city that houses the industries often trails behind in terms of supply deadlines due to insufficient gas supply. There are frequent reports to this effect in both electronic and print media, but regrettably very little action has been taken so far to improve the situation. Gas is in short supply for domestic consumers also.

Chittagong is often called Bangladesh's commercial capital due to its diversified industrial base and seaport. We have an ambition to develop Chittagong as a global financial centre and regional transshipment hub, given its proximity to North-East India, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan and Southwest China. The authorities should increase supply of gas and help achieve industrial progress.

Sumon Kumar Paul

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Patuakhali Science & Technology University

[email protected]