B Mirror Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for a US$2 billion financial support package from development partners to address Bangladesh’s immediate energy needs and safeguard economic stability amid a worsening global energy crisis.
He made the appeal while speaking at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, urging the international community to respond quickly and positively.
“The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity, and decisive action. Immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of our collective agenda,” he said, emphasizing the need for coordinated global action.
Highlighting the global energy crisis, the Prime Minister said no country can overcome the challenge alone, stressing the importance of a joint Asian response to ensure energy security, manage supply disruptions, and protect vulnerable economies.
He noted that the crisis has already affected Bangladesh’s economy, prompting the government to adopt short-term measures such as rationing office and market hours, emergency fuel imports, diversification of supply sources, and consumption controls to prevent hoarding and panic buying through mechanisms like a “Fuel App.”
Tarique Rahman warned that the current energy crisis could be more severe than the 1970s oil shock, which had long-term impacts on global development. He said Bangladesh’s post-independence economic gains are now at risk of reversal.
“Today, these hard-earned gains are in danger, facing the real threat of reversal,” he said, adding that Bangladesh cannot address the crisis alone and requires coordinated international support.
He also expressed appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening the summit. Leaders from Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, and other countries participated in the virtual meeting, where concluding remarks were delivered by the Japanese Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister delivered his speech from his office at the National Parliament complex, while senior foreign policy officials were present during the session.
