Dhaka, Jan 13 (V7N)- Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said energy remains a major challenge for Bangladesh, and the government has formulated long-term plans to address it, including covering both electricity and fuel supply. He made the remarks to reporters on Tuesday after a government procurement committee meeting when asked about energy concerns, including global issues involving oil-producing countries. 

On the LPG situation, authorities are working to ease supply problems that have affected households and businesses. To help tackle the prolonged LPG shortage, the Bangladesh Bank has allowed LPG imports on buyers’ or suppliers’ credit, making it easier for importers to bring in supplies and stabilise the market. 

Regarding government staff pay, the Pay Commission is working continuously on a proposed new pay scale, but its final recommendations will only be known once the commission submits its report. Implementation will depend on that submission and subsequent review. 

Dr. Salehuddin also addressed election-related preparations. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs has budgeted to purchase body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies, particularly in sensitive areas, as part of efforts to ensure transparency and security during the election period. However, plans have been reviewed to limit deployment to priority zones. 

On employment and skills development, the government is launching a large-scale programme funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to train 60,000 drivers — including 40,000 new trainees and 20,000 for advanced certification — to meet rising overseas labor demand and strengthen remittance-driven employment opportunities. The training will be conducted with the cooperation of agencies such as the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). 

END/SMA/AJ