Despite being home to Bangladesh’s largest natural gas reserve, the Titash Gas Field, the city of Brahmanbaria is currently facing a severe gas shortage, disrupting the daily lives of residents and affecting local businesses. Locals report that insufficient gas supply has made cooking, household chores, and commercial operations increasingly difficult, particularly during the winter months when demand peaks.
In response to the ongoing crisis, a large-scale demonstration was held on Sunday, 11 January, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Kautli Bus Stand. The protest attracted participants from all walks of life, including women, men, students, business owners, and professionals, who carried banners and placards demanding consistent gas supply.
Speakers at the rally expressed frustration that, while the Titash Gas Field supplies gas to numerous other districts across Bangladesh, local residents are left with intermittent service. “We pay our bills on time, yet most of the day we are left without gas for cooking. The problem is even more severe during winter,” one demonstrator commented.
Prominent attendees included Nasir Ahmed, Organisational Secretary of 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 demonstration, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjan De and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Sifat M. Istiak Bhuiyan visited the site and engaged with protesters, assuring prompt remedial action. Following these discussions, the protest concluded peacefully.
Residents described highly inconsistent gas availability. Sultana Begum, a homemaker from Kautli, stated, “There is no gas in the morning, only half an hour at midday, and about one hour at night.” Business owner Alomgir Hossain added, “Hotels and restaurants are struggling. Dependence on cylinders has raised costs significantly.”
Titash Gas Field Overview – Brahmanbaria
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Brahmanbaria District |
| Contribution to National Gas Production | Approximately 30% |
| Active Wells | 27 |
| Primary Issues | Local supply inadequate; demand exceeds capacity |
| Affected Groups | Residents, business owners, students, homemakers |
Experts warn that without strengthening local distribution systems and upgrading infrastructure, the shortage is likely to persist. Residents emphasise that unless permanent solutions are implemented, daily life, commerce, and winter activities in Brahmanbaria will continue to be severely affected. Calls for immediate government intervention and coordinated utility management have intensified to ensure equitable and reliable gas access for the city’s population.