The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday granted in principle approval for six major proposals, prioritising emergency diesel imports to safeguard Bangladesh’s energy supply amid global uncertainties.
The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at the National Parliament, also approved procurement of vaccines for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) through UNICEF and two major bridge projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
Highlighting energy security, the committee recommended the import of a total of 3 lakh metric tonnes of diesel to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
The allocations include: 1 lakh metric tonnes of EN590 10 PPM diesel from YAR Energy AG, 1 lakh metric tonnes of 10-50 PPM diesel from K & R International Trading Company, and 1 lakh metric tonnes of EN590 10 PPM sulfur diesel from M/s Sikder International.
All three imports will follow direct procurement procedures under international purchase agreements.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division cited the ongoing geopolitical instability, especially following developments in the Middle East, as the reason for the urgent fuel import. The measure aims to maintain steady operations of transport, industry and power generation across the country.
In addition, the Health Services Division’s proposal to procure EPI vaccines directly via UNICEF was approved in principle to ensure an uninterrupted immunisation drive at the field level during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The committee also approved two bridge construction projects under the PPP model: a bridge over the Meghna River on the Shariatpur-Chandpur Road and the Bhola Bridge on Barisal-Bhola Road spanning the Kalabador and Tentulia rivers.
All six proposals from the ministries of Energy, Health, and Bridges were discussed and recommended for in principle approval to strengthen infrastructure, energy supply and public health preparedness.
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