Bangladesh rushes to secure $2 billion loan amid energy crisis
The Hindu
Bangladesh seeks $2 billion in loans to address energy security amid rising global fuel prices and ongoing crisis measures.
Bangladesh is pushing to secure loans of around $2 billion from multilateral agencies for tackling energy security concerns amid soaring global fuel prices driven by the West Asia war.
The government has already taken several measures to curb fuel consumption, including halting production at most fertiliser factories.
The government has now adopted a three-pronged approach to ensure sustainable energy supply, the prime minister's finance and planning adviser Rashed Al Titumir said on Saturday (March 21, 2026).
"Part of that is securing loans," Mr. Titumir told AFP.
"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has committed $1.3 billion, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged $500 million as budget support," he said, adding the government was pursuing the loans for early disbursement.
The government may also approach the World Bank. "As we want to keep foreign currency reserves intact, we have limited options other than seeking loans," Mr. Titumir said.
BTS returns with a massive concert in Seoul, attracting 260,000 fans and streaming live on Netflix.
U.S. airport delays are expected to worsen as TSA staffing issues persist amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 21, 2026
A federal judge blocks the Pentagon's restrictive press access policy, emphasizing the public's right to diverse information.
UK approves US strikes from British bases on Iran missile sites, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to avoid war.
Czech authorities investigate a suspected arson at a drone technology warehouse linked to anti-Israel group claims.
Ayatollah Khamenei claims Iran has struck a significant blow against enemies amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict with Israel.
Trump labels NATO allies "cowards" for not supporting the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, criticizing their inaction amid rising oil prices.
Iran warns that global tourist sites are unsafe for Israeli and U.S. officials, while continuing missile development amid ongoing conflict.
Explore how U.S. and Israeli assassinations have transformed Iranian leaders into martyrs, reinforcing a culture of sacrifice and defiance.
Exiled Iranian writer Shahrnush Parsipur’s banned novella explores women’s freedom amid political repression and cultural patriarchy.
Sri Lanka denies U.S. warplanes access to its airport, balancing ties with the U.S. and Iran amid trade interests.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto condemns acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus as terrorism, pledging to pursue justice.