The recent energy crisis in Bangladesh's manufacturing and industrial sectors has created an unprecedented disaster. The state's failure to ensure uninterrupted energy supply to industrial zones has pushed the country's overall economy into deep uncertainty. Despite multiple promises from the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, there has been no visible improvement in gas pressure in industrial hubs. Consequently, production capacity in heavily energy-dependent sectors such as textiles, ready-made garments (RMG), steel, paper, and ceramics has plummeted to alarmingly low levels.

Collapse of the Production System and Paralysis in the Textile Sector

The current industrial situation is not merely limited to reduced production; it has turned into a total standstill. According to data from the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), more than half of its over 1,800 registered member units—meaning over 900 mills—have completely shut down due to a severe shortage of gas. Although a minimum gas pressure of 15 PSI is mandatory to keep industrial processes running, in reality, it has dropped close to zero.

This deficit has taken an acute form, particularly in major industrial clusters such as Narayanganj, Savar, Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Manikganj. As a direct result, spinning, dyeing, and calendering factories are failing to run normal operations, paralyzing the entire supply chain.

Economic Losses and Human Resource Crisis

As a result of this ongoing deadlock, industrial entrepreneurs are facing massive daily financial losses. A single spinning mill is registering an estimated daily loss of BDT 20 million (2 crore). Alongside halted production, the burden of regular operating expenses, loan interest, and unpaid gas and electricity bills is driving factory owners to the brink of bankruptcy.

The most tragic victims of this catastrophe are the general workers. Workers relying on production-based wages have fallen into extreme financial distress due to idle factories. In traditional weaving hubs like Madhabdi in Narsingdi, the loss of employment opportunities and wages has driven worker discontent onto the streets. Although local administration has resorted to tactics denying reports of protests, the reality indicates that the anger and uncertainty of workers losing their livelihoods are now turning into social unrest.

Policy Uncertainty and Infrastructure Fragility

The initial crisis that began after a technical fault and fire at the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Maheshkhali on July 21 has today turned into deep administrative inefficiency. Despite repeated assurances and specific deadlines set by policymakers, no effective solution has materialized. The government's stance of "having nothing to do but watch" has completely shattered investor confidence.

The primary engine of the country's economy is blocked today due to short-term import reliance and over-dependence on unreliable single infrastructure. Unless gas supply from alternative sources is secured immediately and infrastructural flaws are resolved, this energy crisis will push the country's export earnings, employment, and the overall macroeconomy into a long-term recession.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla