Dhaka, Apr 15, (V7N) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has made an urgent appeal for $2 billion in global assistance from international partners to address the severe energy crisis currently gripping Bangladesh. Speaking virtually at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus conference on Wednesday afternoon, the Prime Minister noted that the crisis—driven largely by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—requires roughly 24,600 crore taka in Bangladeshi currency to stabilize the national economy.

The head of government emphasized that the current situation has exposed the deep interdependence and shared vulnerabilities of nations in the modern era. He asserted that no single country can navigate these challenges in isolation, calling for coordinated and far-sighted cooperation among Asian nations to strengthen regional energy security and mitigate the effects of global supply chain disruptions.

Drawing a stark historical comparison, Tarique Rahman expressed concern that the scale and long-term consequences of this energy shortage could surpass the oil crisis of the 1970s. He warned that if left unaddressed, the current instability could lead to a prolonged period of economic stagnation similar to the developmental hurdles faced globally throughout the 1980s.

The Prime Minister detailed the significant strain the crisis has placed on Bangladesh’s economy and outlined the immediate short-term measures his administration has implemented. These include aggressive demand management strategies, such as adjusting the operating hours of government offices and markets to conserve electricity and fuel.

Furthermore, the government has launched several technological and administrative initiatives to manage the limited resources. These include the introduction of a 'Fuel App' to streamline emergency imports and ensure supply through alternative channels. The Prime Minister also highlighted the enforcement of fuel rationing and retail sales limits to control consumer demand, alongside strict monitoring to prevent illegal hoarding and panic buying among the public.

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