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Rohingya crisis

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  PM seeks OIC support to resolve Rohingya crisis Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought support from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to help resolve the Rohingya crisis. He made the appeal when ambassadors and high commissioners of OIC member countries stationed in Dhaka paid a courtesy call on him at his Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. During the meeting, the envoys congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister. The OIC member states also reaffirmed their strong commitment to standing beside Bangladesh and strengthening bilateral cooperation in several sectors, including investment, trade, education, healthcare, textiles, and the pharmaceutical industry. Rony said the Prime Minister welcomed their remarks and, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, thanked the OIC countries for their continued support. T...
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Finance Minister Calls for Fuel Austerity as Global Oil Prices Rise

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Finance Minister Calls for Fuel Austerity as Global Oil Prices Rise

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has urged strict compliance with government-declared fuel-saving measures, citing mounting pressure from the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Speaking to journalists after attending a scholarship award function at the Korean Export Processing Zone on Friday, the minister said the war has escalated into a global crisis, pushing up oil prices and disrupting supply chains worldwide.

He noted that although there is no immediate fuel shortage in Bangladesh, maintaining current domestic prices is becoming increasingly difficult due to the high cost of imports. “The government has already taken precautionary austerity steps, and people from all sectors must cooperate,” he said.

The minister indicated that fuel prices may be revised in the future if global market pressures persist. He stressed that the crisis is not confined to Bangladesh, as many countries—including the United States—are facing similar challenges due to dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts, he said the government is maintaining international যোগাযোগ to help manage the situation. “Energy security must be ensured at any cost—there is no room for compromise,” he added.

Also serving as Planning Minister, Khosru acknowledged the growing strain on government finances caused by expensive fuel and gas imports. He warned that if foreign exchange reserves continue to decline, development projects and social safety programmes could be affected. “At some point, decisions on fuel price adjustments may be unavoidable in the national interest,” he said.

The minister also pointed to a recent slowdown in export earnings from sectors such as garments, agro-products and textiles. However, he expressed optimism that strong remittance inflows and a rebound in ready-made garment exports could help offset the pressure.

He cautioned that prolonged global inflation could impact key sectors, particularly fertilizer and food prices, despite Bangladesh not yet raising fuel prices like many other countries.

On the capital market, Khosru said the government is working to create a more investment-friendly environment to reduce dependence on bank loans.

Emphasising the importance of industry-academia collaboration, he encouraged Chattogram Independent University to strengthen its technical and technological education, drawing inspiration from South Korea’s advancements in innovation.

The function was present Kihak Sung, Founder Chairman and CEO of Youngone Corporation, as the guest of honor. The event was chaired by CIU Vice Chancellor Prof. M M Nurul Abser, with other কর্মকর্তারাও বক্তব্য রাখেন.

Under a partnership between CIU and Youngone Corporation, meritorious students from Chattogram will gain access to higher education opportunities in South Korea.

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