Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir announced today that the country’s gas supply situation is expected to normalize in the coming days due to ongoing efforts to import gas from both government and alternative sources. He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Energy Security in Bangladesh: From Crisis Management to a Resilient Energy Transition’, organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Titumir highlighted that when the government took charge, the power sector was in a precarious state, both financially and strategically. He criticized the previous government for making the energy sector overly reliant on imports, which he believes has significantly contributed to the current energy crisis impacting the country’s populace, industries, and investment climate.
Dr Titumir emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards a diversified energy mix to develop a robust and competitive energy system. The government has initiated several measures to increase gas supply, including enhancing LNG infrastructure, upgrading pipelines, and pursuing domestic gas exploration.
Addressing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Prof Titumir stated that the plant would commence operations only after ensuring its complete safety. He projected that the plant could be fully operational by 2027, stressing that safety remains the priority.
Furthermore, he suggested that LPG prices could decrease if gas imports via VLC cargoes are realized, pointing out that the previous government had fostered oligarchic structures in various sectors. Dr Titumir asserted that Bangladesh’s energy policies should focus on national interests, long-term energy security, and economic stability, rather than short-term gains.
He concluded by explaining that energy security involves securing a steady supply of clean energy while ensuring the nation’s financial stability, avoiding pressure on foreign exchange, and maintaining balance in the external sector. The seminar also featured BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, STex Foundation Chairman Prof Dr Ejaz Hossain, and Additional Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md Manzur Alam among the attendees.