Titas Gas authorities severed the gas connection of United Power, the electricity supplier for the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), leading to an abrupt halt in production and the forced closure of factories.
From midday on Monday (28 April), production across all factories within the DEPZ ground to a halt as the zone was plunged into darkness.
Officials stated that Titas Gas cut off United Power’s gas supply, preventing it from generating electricity.
According to DEPZ authorities, the power outage began suddenly at 1:10pm, leaving factories unable to operate.
Without gas, United Power could not generate electricity, resulting in a complete shutdown of DEPZ’s internal power distribution.
DEPZ Executive Director Md Shariful Islam said some factories managed to continue limited production using generators, but the high operational cost made it unsustainable.
He warned of deeper crises if the disruption persisted into Tuesday, adding that such abrupt action without prior notice could severely damage foreign investment confidence.
"There is an ongoing legal dispute between Titas and United Power over outstanding gas bills. However, this conflict should not have been allowed to impact Bepza (Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority) without any prior notification," he said.
United Power Plant Manager Md Momtaz Hasan expressed frustration, stating that Titas' local representatives were unable to explain the sudden action, and that United Power itself remained in the dark regarding the decision.
Meanwhile, Abu Saleh Mohammad Khademuddin, manager of Titas Gas’ Ashulia regional office, confirmed that the gas supply had been disconnected over longstanding unpaid dues, claiming the decision came from higher government authorities.
To mitigate security risks, DEPZ authorities, with assistance from the Rural Electrification Board, kept street lights and internal lighting operational.
Currently, while DEPZ’s power demand stands at 45 megawatts, the Rural Electrification Board has assured the supply of 25 megawatts to partially meet the deficit.
Situated in Ashulia under Savar upazila, the Dhaka Export Processing Zone hosts around 90 active factories, primarily in garment manufacturing and other industries, employing nearly 100,000 workers.
