Why this closure?
Md. Sadeque, Halishahar Housing State, Chittagong
The Chittagong Chemical Complex located at Barab Kunda Chittagong was closed by an administrative order on 15th December, 2002. This used to produce basic industrial chemicals like caustic soda, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, bleaching powder, calcium hypo, etc. The caustic soda is widely used as a common alkaline in paper, fertiliser, textile, and jute mills, and for water purification in all industries in both Dhaka & Chittagong by WASA. Till to day I could not find any valid justification for closing this factory. No civilised country closes such industries, which cater to the needs of basic industrial and chemical plants. The factory had no liability in bank & used to pay at least 4 to 5 crore yearly to the government in duties. The products were not enough to meet the country's demand but could maintain a balance with imported chemicals. Last year the market price of caustic soda went as high as Tk. 65,000 per M.T. The usual price was Tk.22 to 23 thousand per M.T. Similarly, the chlorine price also went as high as Tk.35,000 per M.T. Chlorine is a hazardous chemical. It is now being imported by road. Usually ships don't carry this cargo. The hydrochloric acid is widely used in prickling of all corrugated Galvanized iron sheet (CGI) and in manufacturing other cleaning agents. These are now being imported with precious foreign exchange.For the sake of the country and its people & especially for other industries the factory should be started immediately either by BCIC itself with a new organisational structure or should be sold to any entrepreneur. Otherwise, all the infrastructures will turn into scraps. I urge the government and all political parties to come forward to restart this industrial unit without further delay.
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