Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The country's apparel sector on Tuesday urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply to avoid disrupting and hampering production.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) came out with a demand at a joint meeting held in Dhaka.

Participants at the meeting were informed that production in export-oriented factories in some areas of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar has been disrupted due to poor supply of gas, according to a joint press statement.

Expressing grave concern, the participants said that there was a possibility that several hundred factories will be closed down soon if the gas crisis is not resolved, the statement added.

"It will be difficult for us to maintain the quality and standard of our products if the gas supply is not improved immediately," BKMEA President Fazlul Haque said, adding that the government should take necessary measures to ensure the gas supply to the industries in order to protect the national interest.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-20January10-12:11 pm (BST)