Gas-power crisis won't be fixed overnight; solution will take time: Finance minister

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the gas and electricity problems are not something that can be solved overnight. We are trying to resolve them. The energy crisis will be addressed, but it will take time.

The finance minister made the remarks at a seminar organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on the economic situation, fiscal and monetary policies for FY2026-27 and private-sector expectations today (22 August).

Emphasising the need to improve the investment climate, Amir Khosru said nothing meaningful can be achieved in the economy without investment and that the government and private sector must work together to create a conducive business environment.

"Neither the finance minister nor the government alone can do everything. Everyone has to work together to create an investment-friendly environment," he said.

He said the government has formed committees and launched a dedicated website to address problems faced by businesses.

"If businesses get stuck anywhere, the government is committed to resolving those problems," he said, while urging businesses to also take initiatives to raise issues when they face obstacles.

Amir Khosru said the BNP government has repeatedly managed to turn around difficult situations after coming to power.

Meanwhile, former adviser to the caretaker government Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman called for an end to unnecessary paperwork and demands for unethical payments at government offices, which he said impose additional costs and harassment on citizens and businesses.

"This harassment is not like the energy crisis that may take two years to resolve. If the government wants, it can stop this 'harassment tax'," he said.

The comments come as businesses continue to identify unreliable energy supply, regulatory hurdles and administrative complications as major constraints on investment and industrial activity in Bangladesh.