Agitation mounts in Kushtia for pipeline gas supply

People joined by leaders of all political parties and professional groups formed 4-km human chain in Kushtia yesterday for pipe line gas supply. PHOTO: STAR

The Gas Link Implementation Committee (GLIC) organised the human chain stretching from Station Road to the BSCIC industrial estate.

At least 50 political, socio-cultural and professional organisations, trade bodies and NGOs took part in the human chain. They include Awami League and its front organisations, BNP and its fronts, Jatayia Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Jatyia Party (Ershad), Kushtia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) and Kushtia Shop Owners Association.

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The human chain was followed by a rally, presided over by GLIC Convenor Mozibar Rahman, an industrialist and president of KCCI.

Yesterday's agitation was part of a series of proprammes including road barricade and sit-in to be observed later as per an announcement by the GLIC earlier.

Speakers at the rally included Kushtia Municipality Chairman Anwar Ali and KCCI president Mozibar Rahman.

They said Kushtia is the most prospective district for setting up industries because of its geographical location and good road links with rest of the country.

At least 20 industrial units are already in operation in the BSCIC (Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation) estate, producing world class commodities including cable wires. Products of BRB Cable are earning foreign exchange.

But all there are dependent on power supply, which disrupts production due to load shedding.

According to Power Development Board (PWB), the Kushtia needs 35 mw power daily but the supply is 15 to 17 mw, they said.

Mozibar Rahman, also chairman of BEB Cables, said his industry produces 33 per cent less than capacity due to load shedding.