Govt wants to reduce dependence on imported gas, boost domestic production: Press secy

The government wants to find a permanent solution to the country's gas crisis and increase domestic production to reduce dependence on imports, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh said today (6 September).

"We do not want to depend entirely on imported gas. We want to increase gas collection from our own sources so that the country does not face such problems in the future. At the same time, we want to find a permanent solution," he made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the ERF Language Club at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital.

"The current shortages of gas, electricity and fuel oil are interconnected. If we need electricity, we need gas. The countries from which gas was purchased are also facing problems because of the war," Saleh added.

Referring to the energy crisis during the Russia-Ukraine war, the press secretary said Bangladesh had to change office hours and keep schools closed on some days in August 2022 to conserve energy. If a government that had been in power continuously since 2009 had to change office hours due to an energy crisis when war broke out, this government has been in office for only six months."

He further said the current government should not be held responsible for all problems inherited from the past. "You cannot put all the responsibility of the past on a six-month-old government. Responsible behaviour is needed to find a permanent solution to any problem."

Govt wants youth to learn multiple languages

Saleh also said the government wants young people to learn three to four languages so they can work with organisations anywhere in the world while remaining in Bangladesh.

Speaking at the event, ERF founding convener and The Financial Express editor and CEO Shamsul Huq Zahid said English should be prioritised for daily reporting work.

However, he said basic knowledge of Chinese, Japanese, French and other languages could help journalists communicate with foreign nationals living in Bangladesh.

Mohammad Imam Hossain, founder and CEO of Headman Academy, said language learning becomes most effective when it is taught in an enjoyable way.

He welcomed the prime minister's initiative to create opportunities for learning different languages, saying it could serve as an important platform for serving the country.

The event was chaired by ERF President Doulat Akter Mala and moderated by its General Secretary Abul Kashem.