Last Updated on March 23, 2026 1:23 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh’s Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said the ongoing Middle East conflict is exerting significant pressure on the country’s economy, urging citizens to remain patient.
“Global instability has pushed up pressure on the fuel market, which is directly affecting import-dependent Bangladesh. We cannot control the impact of the conflict, but the government is making every effort to tackle its effects,” he told reporters at his residence in Chattogram.
He said securing alternative fuel sources and ensuring uninterrupted supply remain key challenges. “Managing the situation will be difficult without public cooperation,” he added.
Despite global pressures, the minister claimed the government has maintained fuel availability. “There was no fuel shortage anywhere during the Eid travel period, and the transport system is functioning normally,” he said.
Khasru also highlighted that early payment of wages and allowances to ready-made garment (RMG) workers ahead of Ramadan and Eid helped avert labour unrest, calling it a positive sign for the economy.
Referring to ongoing welfare measures, he said social safety-net programmes, including family cards for low-income groups, farmers’ cards, loan waivers, and allowances for religious figures, are continuing.
He urged people to stay united and show “patience, restraint and mutual support” in dealing with the global crisis.