Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the government broadened its network of sources for energy supply through successful discussions with several friendly countries.
“We had limited sources before. Now, we have widened the sources of the network. We have done it very successfully,” he told reporters after attending a prize-giving ceremony at BUET playground in Dhaka.
Momen said that the energy crisis is now a global issue as there are disruptions in the supply chain and financial transactions due to the war in Ukraine.
He mentioned his successful discussion with the ministers of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), countries that are rich in fuel oil. Countries like Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia are also willing to supply energy to Bangladesh, he added.
“Even China is willing to supply energy if Bangladesh faces a crisis,” he said.
Momen said Bangladesh will soon manage the situation and energy will be available.
“We will do whatever is needed for the welfare of the country.”
Responding to a question, the foreign minister said there is no dollar crisis in the country. After paying $1.35 billion to Asian Clearing Union (ACU) as an import bill for September-October and $131 million spent to meet LC liabilities, the forex reserves stood at $34.3 billion at the end of November 7.
Momen said the forex reserves fluctuated from $3 billion to $3.5 billion from 2001 to 2006.
“There is no shortage of foreign currency. There’s plenty of money for a few months of import,” said the foreign minister.
Momen said there is no reason to stop the issuance of LC (letter of credit), rather the government is taking action to check over-invoicing.
“This is good. They should examine or re-examine all the documents. This is not bad at all,” he added.
