Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, announced on the 4th of June that the government had signed agreements with Qatar and Oman to procure fuel. 

In addition, measures have been taken to import hydropower, and efforts are underway to purchase coal to restart power plants, as stated by Hasina during a parliamentary session.

Hasina highlighted the global crisis surrounding fuel oil, coal, and gas, noting the challenges faced in their procurement. She expressed concerns that the current volatile world situation could further deteriorate, emphasizing the need for austerity in electricity usage.

Speaking in parliament during a condolence motion, the Prime Minister mentioned the unbearable living conditions caused by food shortages, inflation, operating and transportation costs, and electricity shortages worldwide.

Hasina affirmed that the government had fulfilled its promise to provide electricity to people’s homes. She emphasized that the benefits of socio-economic advancement are reaching the doorsteps of the citizens as the country progresses.

She also drew attention to the Ukraine-Russia war, sanctions, counter-sanctions, global inflation, and the fuel oil crisis affecting Bangladesh and developed countries. Fuel shortages have led to power limitations and increased prices, while unemployment rates have risen even in developed nations.

The PM underscored the unprecedented nature of the current situation, comparing it to the post-World War I era and the famine that followed World War II. She reiterated her call for electricity usage austerity and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and increasing food production.

The PM also acknowledged the unbearable conditions imposed on people’s lives worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war. She reassured me that Bangladesh is making every effort to address these challenges and ensure the well-being of its citizens.