Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged citizens to avoid panic and maintain restraint in spending as Bangladesh navigates a global energy crisis linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, while confirming that the government is maintaining fuel price stability through heavy subsidies.
Speaking at the Independence Award 2026 ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the Prime Minister said global fuel markets have been under severe pressure due to the war situation, but Bangladesh has so far avoided passing on higher costs to consumers.
“Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering,” he said.
He said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka daily in subsidies across the fuel and energy sector to stabilise the domestic market and protect households and industry from external shocks.
Tarique Rahman said the administration is prioritising public welfare and economic stability, adding that it remains committed to maintaining continuity in essential services despite global volatility.
He also urged restraint in both state functions and household spending, warning against extravagance at a time of external economic pressure.
The Prime Minister said the new BNP-led government began its term amid a fragile economy affected by corruption, mismanagement, weak governance structures and deteriorating law and order conditions.
Restoring public safety and strengthening law enforcement, alongside strict action against corruption, he said, remain key policy priorities for the government.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s demographic structure, noting that the country has a large working age population and that job creation is now one of the most urgent economic challenges.
Earlier at the same ceremony, the Prime Minister conferred the Independence Award 2026 on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and five institutions, in recognition of contributions to the country.
The award is the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh and is presented annually on Independence Day. The programme was conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and attended by senior political leaders, cabinet members, judges, diplomats, and military chiefs.
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, along with Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam.
