Three production units of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) in the Cumilla Economic Zone remain idle, two years after construction completion, due to the lack of gas and power connections. MGI has invested $700 million in these units—$400 million in a steel mill, $200 million in a glass factory, and $100 million in a paperboard unit. Since 2022, the company has faced Tk 80 crore in annual losses to maintain these inactive facilities. Despite a multilateral meeting in 2022 to expedite connections, progress remains stagnant, with MGI additionally funding Tk 100 crore each for grid and pipeline developments.
The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) blames the previous government for allocating land indiscriminately without utility planning. Gas shortages and delays in decisions by the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources further complicate the situation. Officials warn of worsening conditions unless sufficient liquefied natural gas imports are ensured. Efforts to resolve the crisis remain ongoing.
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