Staff Reporter

The Chattogram North District unit of the Zia Cultural Organization (JISAS) has undertaken a public awareness initiative aimed at informing people about the country's ongoing electricity and gas shortages, the factors behind the crisis and the measures being considered to improve the situation.

The campaign was formally inaugurated by Muhammad Moin Uddin, president of JISAS Chattogram North District. Leaders and activists of the organization from different levels attended the programme.

Speaking at the awareness meeting, JISAS leaders said the present energy crisis should not be viewed in isolation or simply as a recent development. According to them, a combination of longstanding policy shortcomings, inadequate planning and management-related challenges has contributed to the current situation. They also pointed to fluctuations in the global energy market, the country's dependence on imported fuel and gas, and technical difficulties in the supply system as factors that have added to the pressure on the energy sector.

The organization alleged that efforts are being made in different quarters to shift the entire responsibility for the existing crisis onto the current interim government without considering the circumstances that contributed to the problem. JISAS leaders urged the public to remain cautious about such claims and said the actual situation should be presented based on accurate and verifiable information.

They also highlighted several measures being pursued to strengthen the country's energy supply. These include increasing domestic gas exploration and production, drilling additional wells, expanding LNG import facilities and improving infrastructure related to the energy sector.

JISAS leaders said electricity and gas are among the most important services for both households and businesses. Any prolonged disruption in these supplies affects people's daily lives as well as industrial production, employment and the broader economy. They therefore stressed that the crisis should be addressed through coordinated planning and sustainable solutions rather than relying solely on temporary measures.

The organization also expressed concern about the circulation of unverified claims and misleading information about the energy situation on social media and other platforms. According to the speakers, misinformation can create unnecessary public anxiety and make it more difficult for people to understand the actual circumstances.

They called for greater transparency in communicating the causes of electricity and gas shortages, the government's ongoing measures and plans for improving supply in the future. The speakers also urged all concerned to place public welfare ahead of political interests when discussing the country's energy challenges.

Muhammad Moin Uddin said the campaign was launched to help people understand the actual situation and to increase public awareness about matters that directly affect their lives.

He said JISAS Chattogram North District intends to continue its awareness activities on electricity and gas shortages and other issues of public importance in the coming days.

The organization's leaders further emphasized the need to increase domestic gas exploration, ensure efficient use of available fuel for power generation and gradually expand renewable energy initiatives. They said achieving long-term energy security would require effective planning, responsible management, transparency and accountability across the relevant sectors.

Through the campaign, JISAS urged the public to seek accurate information instead of relying on rumours, encouraged policymakers to focus on lasting solutions to the energy crisis, and called for greater attention to issues affecting people's rights and everyday well-being.

The leaders said the organization will continue grassroots-level awareness programmes across Chattogram North District on various issues of public interest.