Dhaka: State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur on Wednesday stated the ongoing power and energy crisis is not the responsibility of the current government, attributing it to issues inherited from the former Awami League administration. He asserted the current government, which has been in power for only six months, did not create the energy policy that led to the present situation. This crisis, he emphasized, is a consequence of decisions made during the Awami League's tenure. Nur shared these views while speaking at a programme organized by the Ex-Forces Association at the Jatiya Press Club.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nur mentioned the government is frequently questioned by the public regarding the power and energy crisis, despite not being the originator of these issues. He also noted the volatile conditions in the Middle East have exacerbated pressures on the government. Nur cautioned that the crisis will deteriorate further if the opposition opts for street protests instead of cooperating with the government. He stressed the importance of staying at the negotiation table, warning against repeating past mistakes that previously allowed the Awami League to stay in power for 17 years.
Furthermore, Nur declared that under a BNP-led government, Bangladesh will not tolerate the dominance of any other nation. He referenced Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's firm message to Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, emphasizing that Bangladesh will not become subservient to another country. Nur also alleged that Sheikh Hasina's long tenure in power, beginning in 2008, was facilitated by an 'Indian blueprint,' maintaining that India's support was crucial to her stay in power.
Recalling historical events, Nur highlighted the Army's significant role in pivotal moments such as the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, and the fall of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. He acknowledged the Army's contributions as indispensable. Concluding his remarks, the state minister urged the country's intelligence agencies to avoid becoming partisan entities like those during the Awami League era, and to prioritize the state's interests instead.