Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has sharply criticised the government’s management of the power and gas sectors, citing widespread shortages and public hardship. In a statement sent to the media on August 13, party Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the country had faced extensive load-shedding since August 9. He cited daily load-shedding of between 3,382 and 3,757 megawatts from August 9 to 12, describing the average shortfall as about 3,500 megawatts.

Parwar said gas supply on August 12 was 203 crore cubic feet against demand of 380 crore cubic feet. He blamed mismanagement, inefficiency, lack of foresight, corruption and politicisation at various institutions for the crisis. The statement said industrial production, household cooking and other daily activities, as well as students’ studies, were being disrupted.

He also said the Bangladesh Palli Bidyut Association had written to police headquarters on Wednesday seeking stronger security at 80 rural electricity associations. Parwar called for increased gas supply, action against industrial gas theft, reduced leakage and system loss, measures to prevent oil smuggling, and improved energy-sector skills. He also urged domestic gas exploration and bringing in capable foreign partners for exploration and development well drilling.