The Justice and Democracy Party, or JDP, warned that Bangladesh could move toward an economic recession if the ongoing gas crisis is not resolved quickly. JDP convener Naim Ahmad made the warning at a human chain in Shahbagh, Dhaka, on July 31, calling for an end to the severe shortage and adequate gas supplies. He said the public does not have confidence in government assurances and statements on the crisis.

Ahmad described gas as a key driver of industry, agriculture, power generation and the wider economy. He said shortages are disrupting factory output, creating investment uncertainty and threatening employment. He called for interest on bank loans to affected businesses to be waived or suspended, alongside necessary incentives, until gas supplies return to normal.

He also highlighted cooking-gas difficulties faced by low-income women workers in the garment sector. Ahmad said disruptions to irrigation and fertilizer production could threaten food output, food security and inflation. JDP member secretary Advocate Abdul Alim said the government should take effective action before public anger over daily disruptions turns into mass protests.