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Dhaka, August 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Bangladesh's ongoing electricity and gas crisis could take at least two years to resolve, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday, as the country continues to face power shortages and load shedding.

Speaking at an event organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), where he was the chief guest, Chowdhury said the energy problems could not be addressed within six months or a year and would require at least two years.

According to Prothom Alothe minister said construction of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal could take around one and a half to two years, indicating that the energy crisis was unlikely to be resolved before the required infrastructure became operational.

The continuing shortages have triggered public frustration, with the government ordering load shedding amid reduced electricity generation, local media reported.

Power distribution companies in several districts have sought assistance from police headquarters and law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security, Prothom Alo reported.

The government has also revised operating hours for shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh as part of measures to conserve electricity. Under the new schedule, such establishments can remain open from 11 am to 8 pm.

The measures, which came into effect on Wednesday, also require illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7 pm Decorative lighting has been prohibited entirely.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud acknowledged the government's limited options in managing the power shortage.

“All I want to say is, we are working… In this time of crisis, I have nothing to do. Because now I will not be able to extract gas or, without a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), I will not be able to extract the gas that I have,” he was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo on Thursday.

The government's latest measures come amid efforts to manage limited power generation and gas availability while longer-term infrastructure solutions are being pursued.