Md Tarek Hossain: The country’s leading garments and textile associations have come forward with a united call to the government: make it easier for industries to adjust their gas connections without layers of complicated permissions. In a joint letter sent recently to the office of Energy and Mineral Resources advisor Faujul Kabir Khan, six industry bodies proposed ten specific reforms that would allow factories to reconfigure their gas setups more efficiently.
The crux of their demand is this — factories should not need new approval from Titas Gas every time they make changes within their own premises, as long as the load and pressure limits remain the same. Factory owners argue that the existing rule requiring Titas’ approval for internal changes is outdated and creates unnecessary delays that hurt productivity.
This concern comes at a time when factories, especially in the ready-made garment and textile sectors, are already struggling due to an inadequate supply of gas. Many production lines are running at only 60% of their capacity. Export orders are being affected, revenues are falling, and overall, the industry’s contribution to foreign exchange is under pressure.
The associations highlighted that these industries operate with prior approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and require significant capital — for buildings, modern machinery, skilled workforce, and operations. Yet despite such investment, gas shortages and bureaucratic roadblocks continue to limit output.
The letter notes that factory owners are often forced to invest additional sums in building their own internal gas lines and service systems. In many cases, bank loans are used to fund these setups, making delays and inefficiencies more painful financially.
Their appeal also reflects a broader frustration with the red tape. One of their key suggestions is to allow industry owners to modify or replace gas-related infrastructure — including pipelines, meters, and regulators — without needing permission for every adjustment. They also call for digitising the application process, publishing approved lists of gas meters and models, and introducing time-bound commitments for meter installation.
Factory owners say that by making the system more flexible and less centralised, industries will be better able to adopt energy-efficient technologies and improve overall productivity. This, they believe, will enhance fuel efficiency and help boost exports — a goal that aligns with the national interest.
The signatories of the proposal include the presidents and top leaders of BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, BTTLMEEA, Bangladesh Chamber, and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce. They say that while ensuring safety and responsible energy use is important, the current system slows down innovation and keeps industries stuck in a cycle of waiting.
If these proposals are taken seriously, they could mark a turning point in how energy infrastructure supports — rather than hinders — Bangladesh’s industrial growth. For now, the ball is in the government’s court.
