As a nation, we have, over some time now, been grappling with the challenge of ensuring reliable power generation, be that for our households or industries. With every passing year, the demand for energy is growing, and if Bangladesh too wants to keep pace and grow as an economy, then ensuring sufficient power remains among the most important tasks.

To that end, the government’s approval of a Tk1,136 crore project to drill three new gas is a necessary initiative, with hopes that this initiative could add over 1,000 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas to the nation’s reserves.

The acute shortages have been felt by households across the country, shortages that have disrupted cooking, industrial production, and overall electricity supply. For a country that is currently experiencing a reported daily gas supply shortfall of around 400-500 million cubic feet, with officials stating that the figure may rise further if demand continues to increase in winter, this exploration is looking to be nothing if not vital. 

However, while these efforts deserve encouragement, and are indeed necessary, especially in the short term, they must be seen as part of a larger, forward-looking energy strategy. With our energy demand rising exponentially as a result of modernization and industrial growth, gas exploration can help bridge immediate gaps, but it can not be a permanent solution. 

This is where renewable energy must enter the equation. Solar, wind, and other renewable resources remain underutilized despite our immense potential. For the future health of our nation and in meeting our energy needs, a balanced approach - combining domestic gas exploration with intelligent investment in renewables - is the one we must pursue.

We must address the reality of our energy needs today, but the true measure of our progress as a nation will be how effectively we are able to find this balance and eventually transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.