Prime Minister Invites Opposition for Talks to Resolve Energy Crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday invited the opposition for formal discussions to resolve the country's energy crisis promising to implement any "practical and realistic" proposals they offer.

Speaking in Parliament the Leader of the House addressed a motion moved by Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman. The motion called for urgent visible steps to ease public suffering caused by fuel and energy shortages.

"As the Leader of the House, I want to inform Parliament that we will invite the opposition" the Prime Minister said. "We are ready to sit together and review your proposals. If any suggestions are realistic and implementable, we will act on them in the interest of the people."

The Prime Minister emphasized that while political parties may differ on various issues, they must remain united in safeguarding national interests. He noted that the energy crisis is a global challenge affecting many nations not just Bangladesh.

While the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of the issue debate emerged among ministers regarding the nature of the shortage.

State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pressured global markets. He stated that while fuel reserves were critically low at seven days when the government took office on February 17, supplies are now secured through May.

However Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed suggested the situation is an "artificial" crisis. They claimed that hoarding black marketing and panic-buying at petrol pumps are contributing to the perceived shortage, asserting that the government is supplying sufficient fuel to meet actual demand.

The discussion held on the 19th day of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad saw participation from eight members across the treasury and opposition benches.