Md. Palash Tushar Pathan, Reporter || The government is working to commission a third floating LNG terminal, or FSRU, before the beginning of 2028 as part of efforts to address electricity and gas shortages and support industrial and business growth.The plan was disclosed by Mahdi Amin, adviser to the prime minister and spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office, after a meeting with leaders of major business organisations at the Secretariat on Monday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting.Amin said the meeting discussed detailed plans for electricity, gas, fuel and mineral resources, with the government presenting its two-, five- and 10-year plans to business leaders.Bangladesh currently has two FSRUs, making the country dependent on imported LNG supplies. One of the two terminals had remained out of operation for a prolonged period and is being repaired, he said.The government initially aims to increase the number of FSRUs to three and eventually to five. Efforts are underway to add the third terminal before 2028, Amin said.The government is also focusing on domestic gas exploration instead of relying solely on LNG imports. Around 150 gas wells are currently in the process of being drilled, with plans to undertake another 150 well-drilling projects after the ongoing work is completed.Alongside the FSRU projects, initiatives are being taken to build land-based LNG terminals and expand gas transmission and distribution networks.On the power sector, Amin said the government plans to develop a diversified generation system, prioritising solar power alongside oil, gas and coal. The broader goal is to achieve greater energy self-reliance while giving solar energy the highest priority among alternative sources.He said the government wants to establish a power and energy system capable of ensuring uninterrupted supplies to industries and businesses while diversifying the country’s energy sources.Responding to concerns raised by business leaders, Amin said the private sector’s investment, hard work and sacrifices have played a key role in the country’s industrialisation and economic progress.The government will provide the necessary policy support while the private sector will help implement those policies, he said, stressing the need for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors.Amin acknowledged that accumulated economic problems stemming from long-standing challenges cannot be resolved in a day, a month or even a year. However, he said the government has a clear plan, commitment and sincerity at the highest level to address the problems.Business leaders presented their concerns and proposals at the meeting, he said, adding that the government believes every challenge can also create new opportunities. The government will further strengthen cooperation with business organisations and apex bodies, Amin said. Similar consultations with business leaders are also expected to continue in the future.