Largest Gas Field In The Country, Yet Brahmanbaria Faces Shortages

Despite hosting the country’s largest natural gas field, the city of Brahmanbaria is grappling with a severe gas shortage, leaving residents struggling to meet their daily domestic and business needs. Locals have repeatedly voiced frustration over insufficient gas supply, which has persisted for weeks, if not months.

In response, on Sunday, 11 January, a large-scale demonstration was held at the Kautli Bus Stand, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., drawing participants from all walks of life. Women, men, business owners, students, and professionals took to the streets with banners and placards, protesting the irregular gas supply.

Speakers at the rally emphasised the irony that while the Titash Gas Field supplies gas to numerous districts across Bangladesh, the local population receives inconsistent service. “We pay our bills on time, yet most of the day we are without gas for cooking. The problem intensifies during the winter season,” a demonstrator remarked.

Prominent attendees included Nasir Ahmed, Organisational Secretary of the Brahmanbaria District BNP; ABM Musha, Joint Secretary of the District Jubo Dal; former District Chhatra Dal convenor Sheikh Hafiz Ullah; Arif Billah, spokesperson of Ekattor Sadar Brahmanbaria; and Sohel Rana Bhuiyan, member of Tori Bangladesh.

During the protest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjan De and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Sifat M. Istiak Bhuiyan visited the site and engaged with demonstrators, assuring swift remedial action. Following these discussions, the protest was peacefully concluded.

Residents highlighted the intermittent nature of the supply. Sultana Begum, a homemaker from Kautli, stated, “Gas is unavailable in the morning, barely half an hour at midday, and only an hour at night.” Businessman Alomgir Hossain added, “Hotels and restaurants are struggling. Dependence on cylinders has increased costs significantly.”

Titash Gas Field Overview – Brahmanbaria

Experts warn that unless the local supply system is strengthened and infrastructure upgraded, the shortage is likely to continue. Residents stress that without a permanent solution, both daily life and commercial activities in Brahmanbaria will remain severely affected, especially during peak winter months.

This situation highlights a critical disconnect between national gas production and local distribution, calling for urgent government and utility intervention to ensure equitable access for the city’s population.