FE REPORT
Leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Wednesday called for an uninterrupted gas supply and a revision of previously set prices, saying that mills are currently operating at only 30 to 40 per cent of their capacity due to a gas shortage.
They also urged the interim government to take necessary measures to ensure security in industrial units, as production at some 100 ready-made garment (RMG) units has been suspended for over a week due to labour unrest.
They also requested loan rescheduling facility for the BTMA-member mills.
BTMA President Showkat Azia Russell made these appeals at a press conference held at the BTMA office in the city.
Describing the primary textile industry as 'neglected', and he said, "At present, mills are running at 30 to 40 per cent capacity and cannot operate at full capacity primarily because of the gas shortage."
Russell attributed the situation to a lack of timely and adequate policy support from the government.
He alleged that LNG was imported 18 months after its price was raised and the mills have been paying the increased rate since then.
He also said that while gas prices were raised with the promise of a smooth supply, mills in various industrial zones, especially in Vulta and Gausia and their surrounding areas, are hardly getting any gas.
BTMA Vice President Abul Kalam said that 90 per cent of mills have not received low-rated loans to pay workers' wages.
On the other hand, there was a rumour among workers that these funds might be granted as aid, which might fuel further unrest, he added.
BTMA Director Mosharraf Hossain said that gas prices had increased fourfold during the previous government's tenure.
He warned that without cooperation from banks, it will be challenging for mills to sustain operations and pay workers in the future.
Director Khorshed Alam identified several factors contributing to the ongoing labour unrest, including wage issues in some factories, conflicts over control of jhut trade, and foreign instigation.
He also alleged that clothing worth 10 billion rupees is being smuggled into the country from the neighbouring country in trucks disguised as stone shipments.
Alam called for immediate measures to stop yarn imports through land ports.
BTMA Director Razeeb Haider said the current gas crisis is a result of the government's negligence, as it failed to drill new wells, increasing reliance on gas imports.
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