The Government of Bangladesh has formed a high-level cabinet committee to assess the potential economic impact of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and prepare strategies to shield the country’s economy from possible global shocks.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the committee was formed on March 10 to monitor developments related to the war and evaluate their short-, medium- and long-term implications for Bangladesh’s economic stability.
The seven-member committee is chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and includes key ministers responsible for local government, home affairs, power and energy, commerce, expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment, and food. Officials said the panel has been tasked with developing a crisis-management framework to help the government respond quickly if the conflict disrupts global markets.
The committee will examine potential risks stemming from rising energy prices, global supply chain disruptions and financial volatility that could result from the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Bangladesh, which relies heavily on imported fuel and international shipping routes, is considered particularly vulnerable to such shocks.
Government officials said the committee will submit an initial assessment report within 15 working days and continue monitoring global developments closely. The panel will also recommend policy actions to protect key sectors including energy supply, trade, remittance flows and overall macroeconomic stability.
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Economists warn that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could lead to higher oil prices, which would raise transportation and production costs in many industries. For Bangladesh, a major manufacturing and export hub, this could place additional pressure on inflation and the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Higher fuel costs could also affect logistics and freight charges, increasing expenses for export-oriented sectors such as the textile and apparel industry. Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest garment exporters, and any disruption in global shipping routes or energy markets could have ripple effects on production costs and trade competitiveness.
The government’s move to establish a dedicated monitoring committee reflects growing concerns among policymakers about global geopolitical tensions and their potential impact on developing economies. Similar measures have been taken in the past when international crises threatened energy supplies or triggered volatility in global commodity markets.
Officials said the committee will coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to gather data and assess emerging risks. Its recommendations are expected to guide the government in taking timely fiscal, trade and energy policy measures if the conflict intensifies.
Analysts say proactive monitoring will be critical for Bangladesh as the country navigates a fragile global economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, volatile energy prices and slowing trade growth.
