The ceramic industry in the country is in extreme crisis. Gas-crisis, degradation of law and order and production costs are pushing the industry to destroy the industry. There is no supply of gas, so production is severely disrupted. One after another order is canceling, investors' interest is decreasing. For a year, the sector has been in extreme distress. However, after the political change, the deterioration of law and order has made the situation more complicated. No positive change has yet been made. In advance, the industry is burdened with tariffs. Furthermore, the tariffs of tiles and ceramic products have been imposed by 3-5 percent of the tariff, which has reduced competition. In the meantime, the government has proposed to raise gas prices. If this decision is implemented and the supply of gas is not normal, then the whole industry will become ill.
Industrialists claim they are forced to close one unit after another. Many factories have reduced their production by 5 percent. In this situation, they have called for not raising the price of gas and the supply to normal.
The talks came up at a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) demanding the release of gas prices, ensuring supply and the cancellation of the tariff imposed on ceramic products.
The press conference was held on Monday at Dhaka Reporters' Unit in Segunbagicha, the capital. Mainul Islam, acting president of BCMEA, Mir Nasir Hossain, former president of the FBCCI, and senior vice president Mamunur Rashid, spoke on the occasion. BCMEA general secretary Irfan Uddin, vice -president Abdul Hakim and director Rashid Maimunul Islam, Farian Yusuf and members of the organization were present on the occasion.
Mainul Islam said, “Ceramic industry is one of the most likely sectors in the country. Although its journey began in the 5th, the entrepreneurs have made it up to the adversity. Currently more than 5 ceramic, tableware, tiles and sanitaryware factories are operating, which is contributing to domestic demand as well as contributing to foreign currency earning. It is saving at least $ 2 billion a year. But gas crisis and price rise are hindering the progress of the industry. '
Mainul Islam said the production of goods is being disrupted due to gas crisis, many products are being destroyed. The order of big international companies is being canceled. More than 5 registered ceramic companies have suspended new investment. Five new factories are not able to start production only due to gas shortage.
Mainul Islam also said, “The government is planning to raise gas prices, which will be even bigger for the industry. Between 20 and 2021, the price of gas has increased by 5 percent. With the increase of 5 percent in 2021, the production cost of ceramic products increased by 5-20 percent. Now the price increases by increasing the cost of production by 3-5 percent. The decision to increase gas prices will question the government -friendly policy of the government. We urge the government to refrain from such a stubborn decision. '
It is to be noted that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) recently proposed to increase the price of gas per unit of gas per unit from Rs 5 paise to Rs.
Mir Nasir Hossain said, 'Ceramic products are not luxury, it is essential. If the industry is closed, the country will become dependent on imports. Degradation of law and order is putting us in extreme danger. With the new connection, the cost of gas will be high, so new entrepreneurs will not be able to survive the competition. Older factories will not be able to expand. '
Mir Nasir Hossain also said that if the cost of production is not brought under control, the industrial sector of the country will not survive the competition. The government should prevent gas theft, so that the cost is not reduced and the price does not need to be raised.
Mamunur Rashid said Bangladesh once imported ceramic products from China and Sri Lanka. But now world -class products are being produced in the country. However, due to gas crisis, the sector is already on its way to close. The rest have reduced production. Where it is possible to produce 12,000 square feet every day, only 3-5 thousand square feet is now getting.
Industrial owners have given clear message to the government – the gass supply must be ensured, the price should be kept at a tolerable level, the tariff should be canceled. Otherwise, the ceramic industry will shrink, workers will increase, exports will decrease, the number of loans will increase and the government will lose revenue. If the crisis is not taken now, the industry will be destroyed.