PM pledges swift action to address the ongoing power crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday apologised to the people over the ongoing power and gas shortages, assuring that the government was taking immediate steps to ease the crisis and warning political parties against spreading misinformation.

Speaking at a cheque distribution programme for distressed and sick people at T&T Ground in Mohakhali, Dhaka, Tarique said he hoped the gas shortage would improve significantly within the next few days.

He attributed the current gas crisis to limited LNG storage and regasification capacity, noting that Bangladesh currently relies on two floating LNG terminals. A technical problem at one of the terminals has also contributed to the power crisis, which he said would be resolved soon.

For a long-term solution, the government plans to present a 10-year energy-sector plan in the next parliamentary session beginning August 27. Tarique said Bangladesh is also working with China and Malaysia to establish a third offshore LNG terminal.

He added that the government would accelerate domestic gas exploration through Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to strengthen national energy security.

Tarique urged political parties to avoid misinformation and destructive politics, saying the government would consider and implement any credible alternative plan to resolve the electricity and gas crisis.

He also called for greater focus on employment and development, saying Bangladesh must transform its large workforce into productive hands to improve people’s livelihoods.