Middle East conflict putting pressure on Bangladesh economy: Khasru
"We cannot control the impact of the conflict, but the government is making every effort to tackle its effects," he says.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today (22 March) said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is creating pressure on Bangladesh's economy, urging people to remain patient and cooperative during the challenging period.
"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 journalists at his residence in Chattogram's Mehedibag.
The minister noted that finding alternative sources of fuel and maintaining regular supply remain the government's primary challenges. "Managing the situation will be difficult without public cooperation."
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He claimed, "Despite the pressure, the government has been able to maintain fuel supply. There was no fuel shortage anywhere during the Eid travel period, and the transport system is functioning normally."
Khasru also said the early payment of wages and allowances to ready-made garment (RMG) workers ahead of Ramadan and Eid helped avoid major labour unrest, calling it a positive sign for the economy.
Referring to ongoing social safety-net programmes, the minister said family cards for low-income people, farmers' cards, loan waivers and allowances for religious figures are continuing.
He urged the public to stay united with patience, restraint and mutual support to deal with the impact of the global crisis.
