Energy Crisis Solution Will Take Time, Says Finance Minister in Dhaka

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that the current energy crisis facing the country cannot be resolved within a single month. The minister made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a seminar held on August 22 at the DCCI Auditorium in Motijheel, Dhaka.

Addressing the pressing energy situation, the minister explained that the government is actively trying to resolve the inherited crisis in the shortest possible time. He outlined a strategic target to ensure a three-month reserve across every energy sector to secure long-term stability.

Highlighting the severity of the initial shortfall, the minister revealed that upon taking responsibility, certain energy sectors possessed dangerously low reserves of only 15 to 17 days. Through systematic intervention, authorities have successfully managed to increase these specific energy reserves to a one-month supply.

Turning to broader macroeconomic conditions, the minister emphasized that reviving the national economy leaves no alternative to boosting investment. To support this economic recovery, specific policy measures have been finalized for the business community.

As part of these economic support measures, facilities for the rescheduling of defaulted loans and one-time settlements for affected business owners will officially take effect starting from September 1. Additionally, the government has designated a substantial financial allocation of 60,000 crore taka specifically aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises across the country.