United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday met Prime Minister’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture and education. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon office, where issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and China were discussed, said a press release. It said various bilateral issues were discussed with a focus on expanding cooperation in agriculture, forestry and education. The two sides highlighted the need for closer collaboration in modern farming technology, afforestation to protect the environment, and skills development in the education sector in Bangladesh. Nazrul Islam Khan sought more active support from China in these areas while the Chinese envoy assured continued cooperation in Bangladesh’s development efforts. Chinese Embassy’s Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng and other officials were also present at the meeting.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed  Ur Rahman on Tuesday said there is some disruption in fuel supply in the country though it is not significant. Concerns have arisen among people over long queues at fuel stations, prompting questions about whether supply has dropped sharply,  he said at a press conference at the Department of Information conference room at Secretariat. Comparing March figures of 2025 and 2026, the adviser said diesel supply declined slightly from 396,098 metric tonnes in March 2025 to 363,512 metric tonnes this year. Dr Zahed, who also serves as adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and is in charge of policy and strategy matters, said octane supply increased marginally to 37,439 metric tonnes in March 2026 from 36,982 metric tonnes in the same month last year. However, petrol supply decreased from 46,371 metric tonnes in March 2025 to 39,998 metric tonnes this March. “This means there is some supply-related problem, but not a significant drop,” he said, adding that a reduction of around 7,000 metric tonnes in petrol supply indicates a manageable situation rather than a crisis. “There are indications that some individuals are hoarding fuel with ill intentions, possibly for smuggling or selling at higher prices,” he added. He noted that higher stock levels in homes and facilities in border areas could signal potential smuggling activities. At the same time, he said public anxiety about future shortages has led many to purchase and store fuel in excess. Providing data from recent enforcement drives, Dr. Jahed said that as of April 6 morning, stockpiles included 1,14,122 metric tonnes of diesel, 10,151 metric tonnes of octane and 13,805 metric tonnes of petrol. Highlighting the heavy subsidy burden in the power and energy sector, the adviser said, “When we assumed office, there was already a subsidy burden exceeding Tk 45,000 crore and it still continues. The government is increasing subsidies further to keep fuel prices stable.” Outstanding dues in the power sector also remain high, including Tk 20,272 crore owed to independent power producers (IPPs), Tk 2,904 crore to Adani Power, Tk 6,434 crore to joint ventures, Tk 10,045 crore to Petrobangla, and Tk 7,303 crore to state-owned power companies. “There is significant pressure from subsidies. The government is trying to manage it in a way that minimises the impact on the public, though some pressure will remain,” he said. Despite rising global fuel prices, the government has decided not to increase domestic fuel prices for at least another month, he added. “We want to wait and observe. If the situation worsens, we may have to take tougher decisions. It is important to clearly communicate to the public why such decisions are taken and what outcomes we expect,” he said.