Published : 16 Aug 2026, 04:36 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:33 AM
The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has sought an instalment facility to pay gas and electricity bills.
The industry body has asked the government to allow July and August bills to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem made the request in a letter to Power Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku.
BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said the ministry had responded positively.
“After the letter was sent, our president spoke to the minister. He said he would look into the matter seriously,” he told bdnews24.com on Saturday.
The letter, sent on Aug 9, said severe gas and power shortages in July and August had “seriously” disrupted production at most garment factories.
“With natural gas supplies through open or cascade cylinders halted, many factories could not maintain normal production.”
Factories had turned to costlier alternatives, including diesel and LPG, putting further strain on cash flow.
The BKMEA said lower production and higher fuel costs had caused major financial losses, making lump-sum payment of the two months’ bills difficult.
It urged the government to allow equal instalments over 12 months, saying the relief would ease financial pressure and help sustain production, exports and employment.
