Dhaka: BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced on Wednesday that adequate gas and electricity supplies to households, mills, and factories are expected to be restored within one to one-and-a-half weeks.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi made these remarks during the inauguration of a nationwide tree plantation campaign organized by BNP, marking its 48th founding anniversary in an area adjacent to Bashundhara Convention Centre on the 300 Feet Road in the capital. He assured the public that the government is committed to resolving the energy shortages, stating, "The stove in the kitchen that is now burning dimly due to the gas shortage will burn properly again." He further emphasized that the government has allocated an additional Tk 4,000 crore beyond the budget for the urgent purchase of LNG and fuel to alleviate the situation.
Rizvi addressed the technical issues at the Maheshkhali gas terminal, stating that they have largely been resolved and gas refilling is underway. He attributed the gas and fuel crisis to the ongoing US-Iran war, which has affected the movement of fuel-carrying vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a global energy crisis. This disruption has led to fuel supply challenges in Bangladesh and other countries.
Furthermore, Rizvi mentioned that the government is actively reaching out to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries to explore alternative arrangements for fuel supplies. He also commented on the opposition's movement over the crisis, suggesting that a constructive opposition should inform the public about the actual causes of the crisis.
BNP Joint Secretary General and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, Jubo Dal General Secretary and MP Nurul Islam Nayon, among other party leaders, were present at the event.