Published: 09:10 AM, 21 August 2026
Electricity Shortage Aggravates Industrial Production
The persistent shortage of electricity has become a major obstacle to industrial production in Bangladesh, disrupting factory operations, increasing production costs and threatening the country’s export earnings. Frequent power cuts are particularly affecting industrial areas such as Gazipur, Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj and Chattogram, where factories depend heavily on a stable supply of electricity and gas.
The situation has worsened in recent months as shortages of gas and other fuels have reduced power generation. In August, Bangladesh experienced a sharp rise in load-shedding, with the national electricity shortage reaching thousands of megawatts on some days. The crisis has affected both large industries and small manufacturing units.
Industrial production requires uninterrupted power to operate machines, boilers, cooling systems and other equipment. When electricity suddenly goes out, production lines have to be stopped. Restarting machinery can take considerable time and may cause damage to sensitive equipment. In many factories, workers remain idle during power cuts, while production schedules are delayed.
The ready-made garment and textile sectors are among the worst affected. These industries are vital to Bangladesh’s economy and depend on timely production and delivery to international buyers. Recent reports from Gazipur and Savar-Ashulia indicate that frequent power outages and energy shortages have forced many factories to reduce production significantly. Some factories have struggled to meet export deadlines because of prolonged disruptions.
Factory owners are also suffering from rising operational costs. To continue production during power cuts, many businesses have to operate diesel-powered generators. However, diesel is expensive, and the additional fuel cost makes locally produced goods less competitive in the international market. Small and medium-sized factories are especially vulnerable because they have limited financial resources to maintain alternative power systems.
The electricity crisis is also affecting employment and investment. If factories cannot operate at full capacity for a long period, their profitability declines. This may create uncertainty over workers’ wages, loan repayments and future investment. Continued energy shortages could also encourage foreign buyers to shift orders to countries where production is more reliable.
The government should take immediate steps to ensure a stable supply of electricity and gas to industrial zones. Better fuel management, faster repair of power facilities, improved transmission systems and increased investment in renewable energy can help reduce the crisis. Reliable electricity is essential for industrial growth. If Bangladesh wants to maintain its export competitiveness, create employment and achieve sustainable economic development, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply must be treated as a national priority.
