Industries in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj continue to be afflicted by an acute gas crisis, even though Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company, the state-owned distributor of natural gas, claims the situation has improved. As reported in the media previously, garments and textiles firms in the industrial belt of these central districts have been suffering from an acute gas crisis for the last few months. “The factories are in dire straits,” a top top-level manager of a group of textile factories in Gazipur told UNB. Most of the industries in Gazipur do not get adequate supply of gas during their operational periods, the most crucial hours during which their machines need to be running. Inadequate supply manifests in the form of low pressure gas flow, he added. FBCCI urges for strengthening oil, gas exploration to ensure uninterrupted supply to industries Low pressure gas flow is akin to low voltage electricity - many appliances won't run, even though an electric charge is present. The textiles group official said that due to the lack of gas supply, production in various factories is being disrupted and they are on the verge of shutting down. In the ongoing gas crisis, important machines like generators and broilers in the dyeing section of the factories are not being run. This has been posing a great risk for the industries to continue their production and pushing them towards huge financial losses. “Many industries would not be able to pay the salaries and festival bonuses during the coming Eid if the situation does not improve,” said an industry owner. Industry insiders said there are more than 300 factories in Kaliakoir and other areas in Gazipur. All these industries have been suffering from the nagging gas crisis and some of them have already suspended their productions. 100% percent prepaid gas meters within four years: Nasrul Hamid Each of the industries has more than 1000 workers. But following the gas crisis, they have to reduce their production target while some of them use CNG at a higher cost to continue their operations. A similar situation is prevailing in the Mirpur, Tongi and Narayanganj areas, said Mohammad Hatem, Executive President, of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). He said that despite increasing the price, the government is not able to provide adequate gas. “Production in garment factories has come down to half due to non-availability of gas. Many buyers meanwhile are pushing for air shipments as the normal schedule for shipments has failed in keeping the commitment,” he said adding, some buyers are asking for discounts on the rates. More gas likely to be found in Sylhet’s Kailashtila field: Nasrul “Some customers are upset and cancel the order in such a situation,” he noted. Recently the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) has also alleged that no industry in the country is able to run at its full potential due to the gas crisis. A Bangladesh Chamber Of Industries delegation, led by its president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), raised the allegation when it met Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun at his ministry office. The lone chamber for industries said the prices of electricity and gas were increased on the pretext of increasing prices on the international market in the hope that the government would ensure their continuous supply. “But despite the declining trend of energy prices in the international market, it is being heard that the prices of electricity and gas will be increased again,” BCI said in a statement. Read more: Govt okays import of LNG cargo from Singaporean firm to meet gas demand It demands for a sustainable solution to the problem. “If a long term plan is given to the industrial sector in terms of power and gas supply, it can move forward accordingly." Titas Gas general manager Arpana Islam admitted the gas crisis. But she claimed that the situation has improved to some extent recently following measures to increase the gas supply. She advised to talk to Petrobangla when asked whether there is any possibility in near future to further improve the gas supply situation. Petrobangla official statistics reveal that in the last one month the total gas supply across the country has increased by just 100 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) or so, leaving a deficit between production and supply of about 1500 mmcfd. The Petrobangla data shows that on February 16 it produced 2671 mmcfd gas including its import from abroad against a demand for more than 4000 mmcfd. The TItas Gas data also shows that about 30 power plants now remained out of operation due to gas shortage. Read more: BNP denounces move to double monthly rent for prepaid gas meters

Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), chairman of Evince Group, has been re-elected as president of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) for the term of 2023-2025. Besides, Priti Chakraborty, chairman of Universal Medical College & Hospital Ltd, Mohammed Younus, managing director of Younus Group and chairman of Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited have been elected Senior Vice-President and Vice-President respectively. The newly elected directors are Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Priti Chakraborty, Mr. Mohammed Younus, Shahidul Islam Niru, Dr. Delowar Hossain Raja, Ranjan Chowdhury, Mohammad Ismail Hossain, Mr. Zia Hayder Mithu, Mohd. Mohabbat Ullah, Shah Alam Litu, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Nazmul Anwar, M. A. RazzakKhan, Mohd. Ishaqul Hossain Sweet, Abul Kalam Bhuiyan, Md. Salim Jahan, S.M. Shah Alam Mukul, Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath, Md. Shahid Alam, K.M. Rifatuzzaman, Ruslan Nasir, Md. Khayer Mia, Sohana Rouf Chowdhury, and Md. Mafuzur Rahman. Read More: HC seeks BCIC’s explanation over embezzlement of 72,000 tonnes fertiliser The newly elected board of directors took over the charge on Saturday (January 14, 2023). Shahedul Islam Helel, Former President, BCI was present. Newly elected president, Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) said the newly elected committee will take proper initiatives for the development of CMSEs as well as creating new entrepreneurs. Abdul Haque, chairman, BCI Election Board announced the result of the election while Md. Kohinoor Islam, Member, Election Board, Mr. Hafez Haroon-or-Rashid, Member, Election Appeal Board, Mrs. Priti Chakraborty, Senior Vice President, Mr. Shahidul Islam Niru, Former Vice President, BCI among others were present on the occasion. Read More: Present tax system is not in favour of industrial development: BCI

Prime Minister’s Energy Advisor Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has said that the government is planning to supply about 80 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) from the Bhola district to the national network to ease the nagging energy crisis. “We hope we’re able to bring the gas from Bhola within 3-4 months,” he told a seminar on ‘Mitigation of the Impacts of the Energy Crisis on the Industry Sector’, organised by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) at a Dhaka hotel today. He also urged all, including businessmen, to reduce the use of electricity. “If you suspend use of electricity during daytime, it will immensely help improve the power supply situation,” he told businessmen amid their demand to import gas as an immediate solution to the crisis. Read Renewable Energy Goal: Industry insiders, experts favour target oriented roadmap With BCI president Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Pervez in the chair, the seminar was addressed, among others, by director general of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Binayak Sen, president of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Jashim Uddin, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Md. Saiful Islam, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) president Mohammad Ali Khokon, Foreign Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) vice president Shawpna Bhowmik, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) vice president Aftab Hossain Apurbo and former FBCCI president Abul Kalam Azad. Eminent energy expert Prof Izaj Hossain made a presentation on the issue while economist Zaidi Sattar also spoke on the occasion. Rejecting the demand of the businessmen to import 400 MMCFD gas spending USD 1.2 billion anually to manage the crisis, the Energy Advisor said it’s not possible as the government has to preserve foreign currency to face possible future financial crisis. “We have to be very cautious about spending foreign currency as we don’t know when the Russia-Ukraine war will end,” he said. Read Corruption, plundering, suicidal deals behind energy crisis: BNP About the power crisis, he said some 1000 MW of electricity from coal-based power plants will be added to the national grid by next few months and the government will be able to divert some gas from power plants to industries. In addition, the government is planning to generate another 1000 MW power from renewable sources within the shortest possible time. In his presentation Dr Izaj Hossain said that there are some alternative options for the government to improve the energy situation. These include, import of LNG from spot market as price is declining, and diverting gas to industries, especially in Gazipur, Savar, and Narayanganj from the CNG stations, household consumers and power stations, and shutting down fertilizer factories as the government can import it from the international market. “These will increase gas supply, but may increase load shedding”, he added. Read PM's Energy Adviser hopeful of overcoming power, energy crisis Dr Binayak Sen said that shutting down fertilizer factories and reducing power generation cannot be be good options. The government’s top priority is to support agriculture for food production, he said. BCI president Anwar-ul-Alam Parvez said many industries have to suspend their productions because of the severe gas crisis and load shedding. As a result, import of raw material dropped while export is declining. “If we don’t get adequate gas and power supply, industry will not survive”, he said. BTMA president Mohammad Ali Khokon said the government should supply gas to the textile industries, even at a slightly higher rate. Read Accelerate gas exploration to overcome energy crisis: ICCB "We can survive if we get gas at a relatively higher price. But without getting gas we cannot sustain”, he said. AK Azad said due to the energy crisis garment factory owners in Bangladesh have to suspend their operations during the daytime and now the situation is forcing them to cut back on manpower. “But if we terminate employees, what will be the impact on society and the economy? That is a big question,” he said.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) has tied up with SME Foundation to jointly work towards development and capacity building of the small and medium enterprises across the country. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organizations at a function at the SME Foundation office at Agargaon on Thursday. BCI president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) and SME Foundation managing director Dr Md Mofizur Rahman signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides. SME Foundation Chairperson Dr Md Masudur Rahman was present on the occasion. Also read: BCI demands simplification of taxation system Addressing at the function, Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury said that BCI has been the sole chamber in the country body representing the entire industrial sector. “It has been working towards removing all sorts of bottlenecks against industrialization. BCI has already launched an initiative to create new entrepreneurship, develop micro, small and medium industries and improve the light engineering and agro-based industries. He said the lack of skilled manpower and efficient managers have become the major obstacles in the development of the industrial sectors.  Also read: BCI seeks German GIZ cooperation to create skilled manpower in industrial sector “Most of the new entrepreneurs have to leave their venture within the first 2-3 years because of the lack of efficiency in marketing and due to inadequate financial credit support,” he said adding that the BCI will now provide training to the entrepreneurs to improve their efficiency and capability.  He said the BCI believes that through the partnership with the SME Foundation, it will be possible to raise the contribution of the industrial sector to 60-70 percent to the economy. The Chairperson of SME Foundation said, "We appreciate the initiative of the BCI. Read SME Foundation to hold fair in 6 divisions to promote local products “The partnership between the BCI and SME Foundation can work together to eliminate existing problems in the SME sector with development and capacity building,” he added. This MoU will further accelerate the work of the BCI and SME Foundation in development and capacity building of the small and medium industrial sector, he hoped. BCI director Nazmul Anwar, secretary general Dr Ordhendu Shekhar Roy and Deputy Management of SME Foundation Salahuddin Mahmud, Md Nazim Hasan Sattar, general Manager Farzana Khan and other officials of both sides were present on the occasion. Read SME Foundation disburses Tk300 crore stimulus loans to 3,106 entrepreneurs

Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (BCI) has demanded simplification of the taxation system saying that people feel reluctant to pay taxes due to complexities. “The taxation system must be simple and taxpayers-friendly so that people feel encouraged”, said BCI president Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) while addressing a press at the BCI Conference room in the city to place budget reactions. President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Md Saiful Islam and senior vice president of the BCI Priti Chakraborty and director Delower Hossain Raja were present on the occasion. Also read: Taxation of Bangladeshi Freelancers in 2021 Parvez said that in the current system, experienced people do not encourage others to pay tax due to the complexity of the system. “If the government can create a friendly atmosphere, the number of taxpayers could reach 1.5 crore within a year and the budget deficit could be met from the revenue collections”, he said. The BCI presented a number of demands and recommendations for incorporating in the national budget. The demands include a 5-year tax holiday for young entrepreneurs, and then fixation of corporate tax for micro, cottage and small industries at 10-15 percent, fixing the source tax at 0-3 percent for import of raw materials, 2 percent tax waiver for all green industries, fixing VAT at 10 percent for import-substitute industries and tax-free income limit at Tk 500,000 for individual taxpayers. Parvez also urged the government not to raise electricity and petroleum prices saying that if the cost of production goes up, it will impact on the production and finally production would decrease. He observed that young entrepreneurs would not be benefited from the special fund formed by the government due to lack of specific policy guidelines in the national budget 2022-23. “We urge the government to frame a policy guideline so that the young entrepreneurs can utilize the fund,” he said. Also read: Focus on extending tax net to enhance Tax-GDP ratio: ICAB Parvez urged the government to rethink about a decision not to allow operation of business establishments including markets and shops after 8 pm. He said the businessmen could not do their business in last two years during the Eid. “So this year Eid is very important to them to do their business ,” he said.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) sought German cooperation in providing training to create skilled manpower in the industrial sector. Such cooperation was sought when a five-member delegation, led by BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) met GIZ country director Dr. Angelika Fleddermann at her office at Gulshan in the city on Tuesday. GIZ is the main German development agency headquartered in Bonn and Eschborn that provides services in the field of international development cooperation and international education work. Read Factory committees: BGMEA, GIZ, Particip to work on participation, safety, anti-harassment The BCI leaders said they want to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) training by bringing trainers from Germany, which is a country rich in workmanship, technology and technical knowhow said a BCI press release. BCI President seeks co-operation from GIZ in the field of building trainers, preparing course curriculum and training manual, achieving efficiency in using latest technology, building skilled manpower in light engineering and agro-processing sectors, creating new entrepreneurs and promoting exporters. The GIZ country director appreciated the BCI leaders for their interest in building the skilled manpower in the industrial sector in Bangladesh. READ: BCI delegation meets Germany envoy; seeks cooperation for micro, small industries Other members of the BCI delegation were Senior Vice President of BCI Priti Chakraborty, Vice president Shahidul Islam Niru, director K.M. Rifatuzzaman and Secretary General Dr. Ardhendu Shekhar Roy and Thomas Hubner, Business Scout for Development of GIZ and Dr. Michael Klode, Project Manager was also present at the meeting. The BCI President said that BCI is the sole and exclusive chamber of the industrial community which represents all sorts of industries of both the public and private sector and endeavours to contribute to the industrialization as well as economic development of the country. It also plays an important role in generating new entrepreneurs in the field of small and micro industry fields. Furthermore, BCI always works for the interest of the industries and tries to remove all kinds of obstructions and impediments. Read GIZ discusses areas of cooperation with BGMEA He mentioned that cottage, micro, and small industries in the country are sectors with immense potential but lacking skilled manpower. So the chamber thinks that to be a developed country and to achieve the vision 2041 there is no other option other than building skilled manpower.

A delegation of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), led by its president Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury,  met German Ambassador to Bangladesh Achim Troster at the German Embassy in the city on Thursday. The other two members of the delegation were BCI director K. M. Rifatuzzaman and its secretary general Ardhendu Shekhar Roy, according to a BCI press release. The BCI leaders discussed various economic issues with the German envoy and sought his country’s cooperation to create skilled manpower for micro and small industries in Bangladesh. The BCI president said that his organisation is the only chamber in entire Bangladesh representing all types of industries in both public and private sectors and it has been making significant contribution to the industrialisation and economic development of the country. BCI has been working together to create and develop new entrepreneurs in micro and small scale industrial sector, he said adding that it has been working to overcome all obstacles in all local industries. Read: Businesses urge BSEC to enlist goof companies in stock market The BCI president further said that cottage, micro and small scale industries have been a potential sector in the country but there is a dearth of skilled manpower in the sector.  “Providing training to manpower for the micro and small scale industries, light engineering, agro-processing industries and other potential sector could play an important role in addressing the shortage of skilled manpower”, said the BCI president. He mentioned the BCI wants to use the existing infrastructure of the country’s Technical Education Department to bring in skilled trainers from technically rich countries like Germany to create trainers who will later provide training to create skilled workers and managers across the country to address the problem. The German Ambassador appreciated the BCI initiative and assured of his country's cooperation in bringing various trainers from private sector including GIZ of Germany to Bangladesh.

Industrial sector leaders on Saturday urged the authorities concerned to pay more attention to the development of new industrial sectors to face challenges in the post-LDC era. 

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) has urged the government to divert fund from transport and communication sectors to those which will play roles to revive the rural economy.

President of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) on Saturday underscored the need for focusing on agro-based industry to ensure sustainable economic growth after the country’s graduation from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).