Minister Vows to Reduce Reliance on Foreign Gas

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Ikbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, has emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on imported gas, signalling a renewed focus on domestic exploration and development.

Speaking on Thursday, 26 February, at the handover ceremony of the executive committee of Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) in the Ministry of Power, he stressed that news reports highlighting a “gas crisis” are often misleading. “A gas shortage is not news. If there were management-related issues causing problems, then that would be reportable,” he remarked.

The minister underlined that new gas wells have yet to be drilled and that the country cannot continue to rely on foreign sources. “We are prioritising domestic gas exploration. Rigs will be procured, and skilled personnel will be needed to operate them. Plans are being developed, but time is required to implement them effectively,” he said.

Highlighting the sensitive nature of his ministry, Tuku added that all potential developments must be communicated in detail to the Prime Minister to receive directives before execution.

Reflecting on his previous tenure in the Ministry of Power under the BNP government, he recounted his experiences with allegations of corruption. “I did not take a single penny of illicit money, yet I had to face imprisonment along with my family. An income tax case was filed against me, which can happen to anyone, given the broad provisions of the law,” he said. He also mentioned the challenges of managing business assets amid legal proceedings, noting that he had previously owned multiple businesses but now has none.

The ceremony, presided over by FERB chairman Shamim Jahangir, also saw the presence of newly elected FERB chairman M. Azizur Rahman and Executive Director Serajul Islam Siraj, among other members.

Key Points from Minister’s Speech

Minister Tuku’s remarks underscore the government’s long-term strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency through domestic resources while addressing public misconceptions about gas shortages.