Our Correspondent

CHITTAGONG, Apr 28: Around 25 readymade garment (RMG) factories here have been closed in the last few months due to power crisis.

A survey conducted by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association (BGMEA) Chittagong chapter on the impact of power shortage on the RMG sector revealed it recently.

The report said at least 50 garment factories are spending Tk 10 million in excess every month in procuring fuel to run electric generators in the persisting load shedding.

The survey report says that due to the lack of power supply, Chittagong-based RMG factories are on the verge of a disaster. Moreover, the decline in export volume due to global recession, coupled with constant power crisis were gradually turning the industry sick.

BGMEA sources said, the power supply crisis was also hampering normal shipment marking negative growth in the RMG sector.

Meanwhile, in a bid to get rid of the prevailing power crisis, BGMEA has demanded, among others, prior information of the load shedding, providing interest free loan for procuring diesel generator, withdrawal of yearly licence fee of Tk 0.5 million and not snapping electric connection of any unit until power supply position becomes normal in Chittagong.