Dhaka, Sep 16 (V7N)- Gas supplies in Bangladesh have increased in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment and are expected to rise further, Prime Minister's Office spokesperson and adviser Mahdi Amin said on Wednesday (September 16).

Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, Mahdi Amin said the government is pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to address the country's energy challenges.

Recent reports indicate that LNG supplies were expected to rise to around 950–1,000 million cubic feet per day from September 15, following the restoration of operations at a floating LNG terminal.

Mahdi Amin said the government's policies and initiatives have also contributed to improved investor confidence. He referred to Moody's decision to revise Bangladesh's outlook to stable from negative, saying the development could help attract foreign investment and support employment opportunities for women and young people.

He said the government has adequate fertiliser stocks through next February and warned that strict action would be taken if any disruption occurs in distribution.

The adviser also said inflation has declined to a satisfactory level and that the government plans to introduce a collateral-free e-loan facility for young entrepreneurs. He added that Bangladesh Bank has introduced a scheme providing loans of up to Tk 20 lakh annually to 5,000 young people.

On industrial development, Mahdi Amin said the government is preparing a master plan aimed at supporting industrialisation and building a safe, humane and welfare-oriented country.

Regarding allegations of corruption involving National Citizens' Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Mahdi Amin said the focus should be on the alleged offence rather than the identity of the individual. He said anyone found guilty should face punishment, while those not responsible should be cleared.

He also said the government wants institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to remain independent and strong and operate without government interference.

On political opposition, Mahdi Amin said disagreements should be addressed through dialogue rather than street protests. At the same time, he said the government respects democratic movements and would welcome political demands expressed through democratic means.

END/SMA/AJ