Published: 11:39 PM, 06 September 2026
Shama Obaed wonders at long march while energy crisis lingers
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has urged political parties to play a responsible role regarding the country's energy crisis instead of spreading confusion.
She made the remarks to journalists on Saturday afternoon (5 September 2026) following a rally, tree plantation, and fish fingerling release program organized in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, to mark the 48th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Referring to an opposition party's long march program, Shama Obaed said, "On one hand, it is being claimed that there is no oil or gas in the country; on the other hand, a long march is being conducted with 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles. Do these vehicles run on water, or do they run on fuel? If there is no fuel in the country, how is a long march taking place with so many vehicles?"
She stated that instead of burning fuel on a long march, political parties should come to parliament to present their demands. National issues can be resolved through discussion and debate.
She also remarked that if the July Charter is to be implemented, it will be done under the BNP government.
Refusing to hold the current government responsible for the energy situation, Shama Obaed said that the country is still dealing with the impact of irregularities, corruption, and mismanagement in the energy sector during the past autocratic regime. Although power plants were built, necessary generation capacity was not ensured. Effective initiatives were also not taken to extract the country's reserved gas.
She added that the effects of 17 years of irregularities and mismanagement cannot be eliminated in a short time. To keep the situation normal, the government is procuring energy from alternative and diversified sources. If necessary, energy will also be imported from new sources.
