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Published : 30 Mar 2026, 07:21 PM
Amid the turmoil of the Gulf conflict, the government is exploring alternative fuel sources beyond the Middle East, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told parliament.
She stressed in parliament on Monday that “there is currently no fuel shortage in Bangladesh”.
Shama replied to a question from Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem in the absence of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
Her claim of adequate fuel supplies sparked protests from the Opposition MPs in the chamber.
Quasem highlighted the human cost of the regional unrest, noting that Bangladeshi citizens had died amid the conflict and that 25 people had already perished over fuel disputes in Bangladesh.
He asked what role former president Ziaur Rahman’s successor Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was playing to resolve the crisis.
The state minister said, “To ensure fuel can be sourced from multiple channels, the premier has met with us repeatedly, coordinating with the power, foreign ministries, and other relevant departments.
“We are working tirelessly to secure fuel from all available sources beyond the Middle East, and God willing, we will succeed.”
She did not specify which sources or fuel types were being pursued.
On the safety of Bangladeshis abroad, Shama said that government missions had been working round-the-clock after the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East.
“Tragically, five of our citizens were killed,” she said, adding that the remains of two had been repatriated.
Also, 186 Bangladeshis were being flown home from Tehran via a chartered IOM-assisted flight.
On the Rohingya crisis, she reiterated that repatriation is currently impossible due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The only sustainable solution remains safe, voluntary, and dignified return, supported by international cooperation, she added.
Bangladesh continues diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian initiatives, regularly verifying Rohingya data with Myanmar authorities, according to Shama.
To date, she said, six phases of data -- including 829,036 individuals -- have been submitted, of which Myanmar has verified 354,751, identifying 253,964 as having previously resided in Myanmar.
