Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez on Monday urged the government to prioritise domestic coal extraction, warning that energy uncertainty is now the biggest constraint on industrial production in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the “Sonar Bangla Policy Discussion” organised by Bonik Barta in Dhaka, he said energy shortages, not taxation or fiscal issues, are the main barrier to industrial growth.
He said domestic gas production is declining steadily, while liquefied natural gas imports remain constrained by infrastructure limitations, worsening the supply gap for industry.
To address the crisis, Parvez called for development of untapped coal reserves, particularly at Barapukuria, saying open-pit mining could generate up to 7,000 megawatts of electricity over the next 30 years.
He said local coal extraction is essential to meet future demand and sustain existing coal-fired power plants.
Parvez urged the government to adopt clear policy and implementation strategies for coal mining to ensure long-term energy security and uninterrupted industrial output.
“The government must urgently consider domestic coal mining as a strategic step to address the energy crisis and support sustainable industrial growth,” he said.
