Dhaka: Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani today announced that the government has adequate reserves of fuel oil, prompting the Prime Minister to instruct relevant authorities to ensure a stable supply of fuel. He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the cabinet secretary assured that the current fuel reserve is sufficient. He noted, "Where earlier we used to maintain a reserve for about 15 days, now we have reserves for nearly a month." Ghani mentioned that as public confidence returns, the government plans to further expand the reserves in the near future to manage any potential energy shocks.
During the morning meeting focused on the energy situation, ministers and officials were in attendance. The Prime Minister directed the authorities to take necessary measures regarding energy stability. The cabinet meeting, typically scheduled for Thursdays, was held today instead due to national events on March 26.
Five issues were discussed during the meeting. Initially, members recalled the tragic events of March 25, when occupation Pakistani forces carried out genocide, leading to the declaration of independence and the start of the Liberation War. Prayers were offered for the war martyrs.
The meeting covered constitutional obligations including a draft amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Supplementary Duty Act 2026, which received approval in principle and final. Additionally, drafts of two finance-related laws reflecting fiscal expenditures were approved, along with a draft amendment to a financial ordinance.
The cabinet secretary explained that this ordinance is part of the annual financial framework for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Revenue has been collected under Articles 86 and 27 of the Constitution since June 26, 2025. To convert the ordinance into an act, the draft Finance (Amendment) Act for the 2025-26 fiscal year was given final approval, pending vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
Ghani also mentioned a decision to convert five of the 133 laws passed during the previous cabinet's tenure into acts, which will be presented in Parliament soon following necessary procedures.