Workers in many factories apprehend loss of jobs ahead of the Eid. About 5000 workers work in the units, most of which are located in Saidpur upazila.

But the units are not getting furnace oil supply for about a month.

This correspondent visited some industrial units including Saidpur Aluminum Works, Poddar Agro, R M Chemical, Grameen Agro, Sonali Agro in Saidpur on Saturday. The owners said their factories are facing closure for want of furnace oil. The production cost will rise if they use other fuel except furnace oil.

They said they contacted officials of Jamuna, Padma and Meghna oil companies in Bogra, who could not ensure them a steady supply of furnace oil.

The factory owners alleged that the oil companies suspended furnace oil supply to Saidpur on the plea of inadequate supply from Chittagong. If this continues, they will have no alternative to closing down the factories, the owners said.