TDS Desk:

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Saturday that the government was pursuing short-, medium- and long-term plans to address the country’s electricity and gas shortages.

“Discussions are under way on floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) to address the gas shortage. At the same time, work has begun on onshore gas sources and pipelines,” he said.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Biannual Economic Situation of FY2026: Context of Fiscal and Monetary Policy and Private Sector Expectations’ at the DCCI auditorium in the capital’s Motijheel. Business leaders, economists, researchers and senior policymakers attended the event.

Amir Khosru said that when the government took office, some energy sectors had reserves for only 15 or 17 days, or even less. The reserves have now been increased to one month, while efforts are under way to raise them to three months.

“We have a target of ensuring three months’ reserves in every energy sector. The government is making every effort to achieve this,” he said.

The minister said there was no alternative to investment for reviving the economy. Without domestic investment, he said, it would also be difficult to build confidence among foreign investors.

“Bangladesh’s growth in the past was largely driven by the private sector. The BNP’s fundamental philosophy is private sector-led growth. The private sector will drive economic growth, while the government’s responsibility is to create the necessary environment and provide support and facilities,” he said.

“We are trying to do this with all of you. The whole issue is essentially linked to investment. There is no way out without investment,” he added.

Saying that discussions were being held with customs, port authorities and private sector representatives to reduce the cost of doing business, Amir Khosru said around eight to 10 decisions had been taken at a single meeting.

“Time limits are being set for how long it should take to release cargo after imports and how many days customs and ports will need to complete their respective processes,” he said.

Giving the example of London’s theatre district, the minister said a wide range of economic activities develop around a theatre, including ticket sales, shops, restaurants, legal services, designer stores and art galleries.

“Similarly, Bangladesh can create major economic activities around theatre, films and sports. These are also part of GDP. We have never monetised these areas. Now we want to invest in these sectors and expand economic activities,” he said.

He also said the government was seeking to bring people who have been excluded from access to capital or loans in the formal economy into the economic mainstream through new initiatives.

Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar, International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, and Power and Participation Research Centre and BRAC Chairman Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman attended the seminar as special guests.