Bangladesh Seeks U.S. Support Amid Energy Crisis Triggered by Middle East Conflict

Bangladesh has sought assistance from the United States to address its growing energy crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran in the Middle East, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, the minister said the conflict has disrupted global energy supplies, creating shortages worldwide, including in Bangladesh.

“As a result of the tensions in the Middle East, a global energy crisis has emerged. Bangladesh is also facing difficulties. Some of our committed shipments have been halted,” he said.

Tuku added that Bangladesh has formally requested U.S. cooperation in managing the situation. He expressed hope that Kapur would discuss the matter with senior officials in Washington and inform Dhaka of their decision.

The minister further stated that the government is working to manage the crisis using existing fuel reserves until normal supply lines are restored.

“We must use what we have in a cost-effective and prudent manner until our supply line stabilizes,” he said, urging citizens to cooperate with conservation efforts.

He also announced that the ministry would soon issue detailed guidelines to help the public navigate the crisis and ensure efficient energy use.