The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA) has urged the government to ensure a stable gas supply for the ceramic industry and withdraw supplementary duties on ceramic tiles and sanitary products.  

Further gas price hikes and supply disruptions threaten the industry's survival, the leaders said at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital today.    

The sector has expanded significantly, with over 80 factories producing tableware, tiles, and sanitary ware. It contributes Tk 3,500 crore in annual revenue and employs over 5 lakh people.  

Despite this growth, severe gas shortages are causing daily losses exceeding Tk 20 crore. Gas pressure in key industrial zones, including Mirpur, Savar, Rupganj, and Kashimpur, has dropped drastically, disrupting production.  

BCMEA warned that the proposed 152 percent gas price hike would raise production costs by 30-35 percent, making local products uncompetitive globally.  

The association also called for the removal of the 15 percent supplementary duty on tiles and 10 percent on sanitary ware, stressing that these are essential, not luxury, items.  

Acting President Moynul Islam urged the government to prioritise the sector by ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and supportive policies to sustain growth and employment.