Desk Report:
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that there is no oil crisis in the country yet. The government is importing fuel at high prices to ensure energy security due to the outbreak of war in the Middle East. The impact of the war in the Middle East has affected not only Bangladesh but the whole world. However, how long it will be possible to operate oil and gas at high prices is a matter of concern. Therefore, a new decision on oil may be made soon.
The minister said these things as the chief guest at the award ceremony under the Academic Excellence Scholarship Program of the Yongwan Corporation in the EPZ area of Anwara Upazila of Chittagong on Friday (April 3, 2026).
He said that sufficient cooperation between universities and the industry sector has not yet been developed in Bangladesh, which can play an important role in achieving excellence in education and research. The world’s advanced universities work closely with the industry, which enriches both the quality of education and the field of research. The unemployment rate among degree holders in Bangladesh is also significant. Therefore, importance must be given to technology-based education.
The minister also said that technological progress is bringing rapid changes in the current world. Countries that are ahead in technology are able to face the global challenges of the future. In this context, universities must include technology-based education in their curricula. It is possible to increase the employment opportunities of students by adding new technology-based faculties, which will be helpful in building their careers both in the country and abroad.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that the global oil crisis is affecting not only Bangladesh but the whole world, including America. Most of the country’s oil comes from the Middle East and the government has maintained international communication to deal with the crisis. He said that above all, we have to ensure energy security. There is no room for compromise in this regard. In addition, there is a lot of pressure on government funds due to the import of oil and gas at high prices. If this continues, it will affect the budget and development. As a result, it will be difficult to implement the promises we have to the common people. The minister called on all the people to cooperate with the government in dealing with the crisis through energy conservation.
At the event, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Youngwon Corporation and Korean EPZ Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kihak Sung distributed scholarship certificates to the students.
The event was presided over by CIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. M. Nurul Absar and the welcoming speech was delivered by the Managing Director of Korean EPZ, Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Shahjahan. In addition, the speeches were delivered by Youngwon Corporation and Korean EPZ Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kihak Sung, CIU Board of Trustees Chairman Lutfi M. Ayub and member Syed Mahmudul Haque.
