A roundtable discussion titled "Navigating the Global Energy Shock: Impact on Bangladesh and the Way Forward" was organized today by the DCCI at its office. Photo: DCCI

DHAKA, April 09, 2026 (BSS)- Participants at a roundtable here today called for strengthening energy conservation and boosting use of renewable energy (RE) to tackle present and future energy crisis.

They observed that the recent geopolitical instability in the Middle East has exposed gaps in Bangladesh’s energy capacity, highlighting the long-standing need for effective initiatives and their proper implementation. 

The roundtable discussion titled- Navigating the Global Energy Shock: Impact on Bangladesh and Way Forward- was organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its office.

Taking part in the discussion as the chief guest Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Obaidur Rahman said Bangladesh has long been facing persistent energy shortages, which have worsened due to the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

He noted that the country requires 600,000 metric tons of fertilizer by June with current shortage of 400,000 metric tons due to disruption in production. 

The government is taking strict measures to reduce bureaucratic delays, he said adding the issue of gas exploration must be addressed urgently. A policy on electric vehicles will be finalized soon, he said. 

Furthermore, he pointed out that the current revenue policies are not always consumer-friendly and require reforms. He urged for giving importance to local and foreign investment for revival of the struggling industries.

Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator of the FBCCI said recent energy crisis is affecting every aspect of people’s lives and livelihoods. He emphasized the need for accurate and reliable data to formulate and implement effective strategies.

He stressed removing existing tariff on solar and renewable energy and highlighted the importance of expanding gas exploration and diversifying energy import sources.

To ensure long-term energy security, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said, it is essential to expand offshore and onshore gas exploration, diversify sources of energy imports, encourage local and foreign investment in solar and renewable energy by reducing existing duty rates, provide low-interest loans and reduce bureaucratic tangles. Strong political will is necessary to achieve the objectives, he observed.

Brig. General Md Shahid Sarwar (retd) Member of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) said renewable energy could be an effective option to tackle the present and future crisis.

However, he said, to ensure long-term energy security in industries and other sectors, there is no alternative to increasing both offshore and onshore gas exploration.

Shibir Bicitro Barua, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce said there are gaps between taking effective initiative and implementing measures. He emphasized on operational reform of the relevant agencies to reduce subsidies.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Commerce will propose to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to increase duties on the import of electric vehicles in order to encourage the use of renewable energy.

Mostafa Al Mahmud, President, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) laid importance on government will to ensure energy security saying long-term, low-interest loan for SMEs are needed.

DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, members of the Board of Directors, entrepreneurs, and representatives from public and private agencies were present.