Ashuganj fertiliser plant awaits gas to resume production

The Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC)-run fertiliser factory in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, could resume production if it receives the required uninterrupted gas supply, potentially boosting domestic urea output, reducing import dependence and saving foreign exchange.

The factory has an annual production capacity of 528,000 metric tonnes of urea but remains underutilised amid a gas shortage. Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of gas at the required volume and pressure could help increase domestic production and meet farmers’ fertiliser needs, according to the information provided.

Operated by BCIC under the Ministry of Industries, the factory was completed in 1980. Trial production began on December 15, 1981, while commercial production started in July 1983.

Associated with the initiative and legacy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the plant was previously known as the Zia Fertilizer Factory. Its name was later changed to Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory, and production was halted, according to the account provided.

Local residents have called for the restoration of its historical name, Zia Fertilizer and Chemical Complex Limited, alongside the speedy resumption of production.

Urea is one of the most important agricultural inputs in Bangladesh, where food production depends heavily on farming. The annual demand for urea has been set at 2.7 million metric tonnes by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Using domestic factories to meet a greater share of this demand could reduce reliance on imported fertiliser. Resuming production at Ashuganj would add a substantial volume of urea to the domestic supply and could help ensure timely delivery to farmers.

According to the information provided, the factory requires an uninterrupted daily supply of around 56 million cubic feet of gas at a pressure of 40 bar to resume operations in line with its technical requirements.

Calls have been made to prioritise national interests when allocating gas to the plant. Local residents have also suggested reviewing supplies to other industries, including plastic and toy manufacturers, to determine whether temporary adjustments could make gas available for fertiliser production.

Restarting the factory would require coordinated action by BCIC, gas supply companies and the relevant ministries. Local residents argue that the country’s food security, farmers’ interests and economic needs warrant effective steps to restore operations and the plant’s historical name.