Gas crisis in Tongi

As export oriented factories, we all have deadline to meet -- but in the present situation it is becoming more and more difficult to meet the deadlines. As a result of which we may lose our customers. Already we have had to postpone a few shipments and the customers are not willing to make any more adjustments. They want their goods delivered at the right time. If the buyers who visit Bangladesh frequently, come to know that the problem is permanent it is for sure that we will lose our customers. It will be a great loss to us, to our community because many people will be jobless, and last, but not the least, country's economy.

From the report of The Daily Star we have learnt that the energy advisor Mr. Mahmudur Rahman has met Honorable Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia about the gas crisis of the Tongi-Savar belt. We appreciate very much that she has the situation under consideration and has already formed a committee to solve the problem. We have had gas supply problem before but the magnitude of the problem has increased since the 6 October. The gas pressure has been nil since the past few days resulting in the shutdown of the machines. It is appreciated that the government has set up a new power station at Tongi but this should not be at the cost of shutting down gas supply to the export oriented industry belt. The report in DS shows there has been talks about rationing the gas. Since there is a big gap between the supply and demand of gas there is no other option available, other than rationing. But the gas rationing has to be very planned and logical so that we can get enough gas to run our machines and export garments from Bangladesh.

We invite reporters to come to our factory in Konabari to see the real problem. If this problem continues we are in real danger of losing our customers and goodwill. We look forward to your support and coverage on the issue.