Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought cooperation of business leaders and media to execute government plans in the power and energy sector, expressing optimism that gas supply to industrial units will return to its previous level by Tuesday evening.
Speaking during a three-hour exchange of views with business leaders and media personalities at Prime Minister’s Office in Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, the PM urged all quarters not to create instability.
He also urged instead to allow the government the opportunity to implement its plans during its tenure. Participants at the meeting shared their perspectives across various issues.
Inherited problem and implementation phase
Describing the prevailing crisis in the power and energy sector as an “inherited problem,” Tarique said it cannot be fully resolved within six months or a year.
However, he affirmed that the government has identified the core problems, formulated targeted plans, and reached the implementation phase.
He added that the government is working against a specific timeframe to normalise power and energy supply, which will benefit business and the broader economy.
Aninda Islam Amit, state minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, presented a keynote paper titled “Challenges and Future Roadmap of Bangladesh’s Power and Energy Sector” at the event.
Gas supply disruption and third LNG terminal
Explaining the cause of the recent gas shortage, the PM said supply was disrupted due to an accident at one of the country’s two floating LNG terminals, affecting industrial units and other sectors.
Confirming that the accident-related problem has been resolved, he expressed hope that gas supply will return by Tuesday evening to the level seen a month or a month and a half ago.
To tackle the deficit, Tarique announced an initiative to establish a third floating LNG terminal on a government-to-government (G2G) basis.
Preparations over the past month are virtually complete and work will commence soon, with the government hoping to connect it to the supply network by December 2027.
Long-term roadmap and $1 trillion economy goal
The PM observed that power sector issues are also long-standing, explaining that upon taking responsibility, the government reviewed the problems, consulted stakeholders, and prepared actionable plans that are currently being executed.
A tentative timetable outlining completion targets was presented to business leaders. Acknowledging that timeline execution might shift slightly, he stressed that the government holds a definite plan and timeframe.
Highlighting the impact of supply constraints, the PM said damage to trade and industry directly harms the national economy.
He emphasised that securing an uninterrupted and adequate power and energy supply is essential to achieve the target of a $1 trillion economy by 2034, which forms the basis of the government’s long-term planning.
Reassuring the business community, he said they are already aware of the complexity of the situation and praised the government’s transparency in discussing the problems and solutions, reassuring them that work is underway and there is no reason to be disheartened.
Media cooperation and political stability
Calling on business leaders to support implementation if they consider the plans logical, Tarique said successful execution will benefit the entire country.
He warned that domestic instability risks damaging commerce and the economy, adding that while the public will decide who governs at the appropriate time, any administration in office must be given the chance to complete its planned work.
Explaining the presence of media representatives, he said clear communication of government objectives is vital to prevent confusion arising from isolated information, enabling the media to accurately convey plans to the public.
Emphasising that effective teamwork is crucial for major initiatives, the PM said all relevant government bodies are working together to improve citizens’ living standards and called for cooperation.
Dignitaries and attendees
The meeting was attended by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, PM’s Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, PM’s Education, Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, PM’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, and Energy Secretary Md Ziaul Haque.
Business leaders present included FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, International Chamber of Commerce President Mahbubur Rahman, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, Bangladesh Chamber of Industries President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, Bangladesh Jute Mills Association Acting President Abul Kalam, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Amirul Haq, and Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association President Mahbub Anam.
Media personalities and academics in attendance were Daily Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, BNP Media Cell Convener Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, English daily “Waddah” Editor Shafiqul Alam, journalists Ashraf Kaiser, Mostafa Firoz, Abdun Noor Tushar, Akbar Hossain, Shahed Alam, Rezaul Karim Rony, Azizur Rahman Ripon, and Tarikul Islam Sourav, alongside Jahangirnagar University teacher Dr Nahrin Islam Khan.
