Gas crisis: 'Shocked' CA press secy denounces BTMA president's remarks, wonders if it's a plot to discredit govt
He argued that while the disruption is real, equating it with one of the most tragic and defining chapters of Bangladesh’s history crosses a line
The chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly condemned Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Showkat Aziz Russell for comparing the current gas crisis in industrial areas to the killing of intellectuals during the 1971 Liberation War, calling the statement "deeply disrespectful".
In a post on his Facebook profile today (26 May), Shafiqul wrote, "Such a comparison is not only historically inaccurate but also deeply disrespectful to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our nation's independence."
He argued that while the disruption is real, equating it with one of the most tragic and defining chapters of Bangladesh's history crosses a line.
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"The ongoing gas shortages have undeniably disrupted industrial operations, but the situation cannot be equated with the atrocities of 1971," he said.
He went on to point out that the interim government, which inherited a crumbling economy, has been actively working to resolve the crisis.
"The challenges are still there. But the data released by state-run Petrobangla show that gas supply to industries has increased by 21 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2025. In April alone, the supply was nearly 50 percent higher than the same month last year," he said.
To further ease the pressure, the government announced earlier this month its plan to import four additional LNG cargoes and divert gas from the power sector to industrial use, he added.
At a press conference yesterday (25 May), Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the BTMA and chairman of Amber Group, said, "If I talk about our industry, I will return to 1971. The way intellectuals were killed in 1971 – that was a great loss to the country. Now, in 2025, industrial entrepreneurs and industries are being killed in the same way."
The press secretary questioned the motive behind the BTMA president's remarks, stating, "I'm surprised and shocked by the comments. Is it part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy to discredit the Interim Government?"
He urged industry leaders to maintain responsibility in their public communication.
"It is crucial for industry leaders to communicate their grievances responsibly and constructively. Inflammatory rhetoric not only undermines the seriousness of their concerns but also detracts from the collaborative efforts needed to resolve such crises," he concluded.
