Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), met with Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, on Wednesday and urged urgent measures to resolve the ongoing gas crisis and ensure an uninterrupted supply for the garment sector.
The meeting took place at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division's office at the Secretariat. BGMEA Director Mohammad Abdur Rahim and Director A.B.M. Shamsuddin accompanied the BGMEA president. Senior officials from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division were also present.
During the meeting, the BGMEA president highlighted the current gas situation in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and the various problems caused by the gas shortage.
He explained that many factories are unable to operate at full production capacity due to an insufficient gas supply and low gas pressure, which is negatively impacting exports and the country's economic growth.
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To resolve this crisis, the BGMEA president proposed five urgent measures:
1. Prioritise the garment and textile industry: The labour-intensive garment and textile industry should be given priority for new gas connections to protect economic growth and employment.
2. Expedite the scrutiny process: The BGMEA president called for the ministry to quickly complete the scrutiny process for new gas connections from Titas Gas, enabling factories to start production on time.
3. Create a separate application list: A separate list should be created for applicants who do not require a load increase but need to modify or relocate equipment. This would allow for a quicker decision-making process.
4. Prioritise low-load applicants: Applicants seeking a low load increase should be given priority for gas connections. This would help small and medium industries get into production faster.
5. Ensure gas pressure: Necessary steps should be taken to ensure a minimum pressure of 3-4 PSI in areas like Dhamrai and Manikganj, where gas pressure tends to drop at the end of the pipeline.
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The BGMEA president further stated that ensuring a smooth path for the garment industry is crucial for maintaining competitive capability in the international market and securing investment and employment after LDC graduation. He sought the government's overall cooperation to sustain the country's economic progress.
Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, listened to the BGMEA president's concerns. He assured that the government prioritises the garment industry as the largest private-sector employer and is sincere about resolving its problems.
He confirmed that the division would seriously consider the issues raised by the BGMEA.