Published : 22 Mar 2026, 09:00 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:30 PM
Bangladesh is already reeling from economic hardship due to the Middle East crisis, which may worsen the country’s economy further, fears Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
He made the remarks during a discussion with journalists at his Chattogram city residence on Sunday afternoon, saying the war in the Middle East will “increase pressure” on Bangladesh's economy.
“We have to admit these are difficult times. We’ve come into power while the economy is in a fragile state. Additionally, the war in the Middle East has put a lot of pressure on the economy and if it continues, the pressure will keep soaring,” he warned.
“In that regard, we are very vigilant, especially in terms of energy security. Meanwhile, our fuel procurement is still continuing through good management to ensure operation at factories and power companies is not disrupted due to lack of fuel,” he said.
“That (energy supply) is still fairly stable.”
The minister said the government is trying to cope with the pressure of the ongoing war in the Middle East through “management” so far.
He urged the people to be “restrained” to cope with future “pressures”.
"We’re trying to continue this trend. If the war drags on for a long time, the pressure will continue to increase, taking a heavy toll on the people,” he said.
As the economic “pressure” is being felt worldwide, it will also come to Bangladesh, he warned, describing public support, cooperation, sympathy and restraint as the key to deal with the crisis.
On the fuel supply front, he said: “The impact of the war is higher in Bangladesh because our main source of energy is the Middle East. So, the pressure on us is very high.”
Amir Khosru further said: "We’ve taken many alternative measures. We’re trying to bring fuel from different countries.”
Claiming to have already started importing fuel from alternative sources, he said: “So far, through management, we are in a fairly good place."
