Country’s primary textile sector leaders on Sunday expressed deep concern over the ongoing gas crisis, saying the poor supply is badly affecting their operations and pushing many factories towards closure.

At a press conference held at Gulshan Club in the capital, industry leaders urged the government to take immediate steps to restore smooth and uninterrupted gas supply to industrial units.

They also called for the suspension of the recent decision to raise gas prices for industries and captive power plants.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) further demanded the formulation of a comprehensive medium- and long-term strategy to resolve the ongoing energy crisis and ensure reliable gas supply for industrial use.

‘If the government doesn’t take immediate measures, there will be no need to worry about gas pressure – as the factories will be shut,’ said BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell.

The association stressed that the textile sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s export earnings and employment, cannot sustain operations under the current conditions of erratic and insufficient gas supply.

Russell said investments worth $70 billion in textile and apparel factories, including terry towel units, are now under threat due to the ongoing gas and working capital crises.

He warned that exports would decline as production activities are being severely disrupted.

As a result, there will be a negative impact on foreign exchange reserves, which could undermine the government’s recent efforts to stabilise the macroeconomy.

‘In 1971, intellectuals were killed — in 2025, it is not just the industry, but entrepreneurs themselves who are being destroyed,’ he remarked.

‘Factories are being strangled through anti-industry actions,’ he said, adding that if industries are not protected, the country could face famine.

Despite repeated commitments and the gas price hike, industries are still not receiving adequate supply. Production is being hampered, yet factory owners are still required to pay utility bills and high bank interest rates.

He said that under such circumstances, there is no guarantee that factories will be able to pay wages and festival allowances.

Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez said that, due to the gas crisis, factories are operating at no more than 60 per cent of their production capacity.

He criticised the government for failing to ensure sufficient gas supply to industries, despite raising prices and making repeated commitments.

‘Now they’re setting deadlines to pay workers’ wages — but if factories cannot operate, how will they pay wages and other bills, including high-interest payments to banks?’ he asked.

Hossain Mehmood, Chairman of the Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BTTLMEA), suggested that coordination among gas distribution companies is necessary to improve supply.