Bangla Press Desk: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday told Parliament that there is now no energy crisis in Bangladesh.
She also stressed that the government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure uninterrupted energy supply and safeguard Bangladeshi citizens abroad amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.Replying to a supplementary question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14) in the Jatiya Sangsad on Monday, she said the government has taken steps to ensure energy supply from multiple international sources under the guidance of the prime minister so that Bangladesh does not face any disruption in fuel and energy availability.
With Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair, Shama said the government is working to diversify energy import sources beyond the Middle East and is exploring alternative supply channels to maintain stable fuel supply in the country.
"There is no energy crisis in Bangladesh at the moment," she told the House, adding that the prime minister has held several meetings with relevant authorities to ensure energy supply from multiple sources and maintain stability in the sector.
The state minister said that the government's first and foremost priority is to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi citizens living abroad, particularly in Middle Eastern countries where many Bangladeshis are currently working amid the conflict.
She informed the parliament that Bangladesh missions in the region are closely monitoring the situation and working round the clock to ensure the safety of expatriate Bangladeshis.Referring to recent incidents, she said several Bangladeshi nationals lost their lives while others were rescued and brought back safely to the country.
"A total of 186 Bangladeshis were repatriated safely from Tehran, Iran, through a chartered flight with government support," she added.
She also said the government is continuing diplomatic efforts and coordination through Bangladesh missions abroad to address the evolving situation and provide necessary assistance to citizens in affected regions.
The state minister emphasised that the government is maintaining constant communication with relevant countries and international partners to ensure both energy security and the safety of Bangladeshi nationals.
"Our top priority is to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis wherever they are and maintain uninterrupted energy supply in the country through diversified sources," she added.
Shama also said the government is carefully monitoring the global situation and taking proactive measures to tackle any emerging challenges related to energy supply and expatriate welfare.
