Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku has said that Bangladesh’s energy sector has seen notable improvement, with fewer electricity outages and no visible fuel shortages.
Speaking in Parliament during the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s address on Thursday, he noted that concerns over petrol supply and electricity had been raised just days ago, including by Opposition members. However, he said the situation has since stabilised significantly.
“Now there are no long queues for petrol, and load-shedding has reduced considerably,” he said, attributing the improvement to ongoing efforts and coordination.
The minister also mentioned that a joint committee involving both government and opposition members has been formed, with all sides working together to advance national development.
Referring to past leadership, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had once transformed Bangladesh from what was described as a “bottomless basket” into a developing nation. He expressed hope that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the country would be rebuilt into a “New Bangladesh.”
Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku further spoke about his own political experiences, saying he had faced legal challenges during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina.
He claimed that despite being sentenced to nine years in prison, he did not serve jail time, adding that he had been acquitted by the High Court but the case was later revived for political reasons.
He also stated that he had remained active in political movements over the decades, including protests during the Pakistan era, the 1969 Mass Uprising, and participation in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Emphasising the importance of independence, the minister said the events of 1971 remain a source of pride for the nation, noting that without it, the country’s present democratic institutions would not exist.
The remarks came amid broader parliamentary discussions on governance, development and national progress.
.jpg "LPG cylinder price reduced to Tk1,885 in Bangladesh")