The former government’s approach to the power and energy sector prioritized corrupt practices over sustainable development, stated Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.
In contrast, the current interim government is actively dismantling systems that facilitated corruption and is working toward sustainable energy policies and practices, he said.
“We have restored the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (BERC) authority to set electricity tariffs. Additionally, we are revising the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) and reevaluating the renewable energy policy,” said Fouzul Kabir Khan during the inaugural session of the Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050 Conference, held at the BIAM Foundation.
He further highlighted, “We are moving away from reliance on independent power producers (IPPs) and focusing on implementing a more sustainable energy framework.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, chaired the session and underscored Bangladesh’s energy challenges.
“Unequal power deals and crises exacerbate the difficulties in achieving energy prosperity. Accessibility remains a critical issue, with significant gaps in quality, affordability, and transparency,” she noted.
She emphasised that achieving the country’s 40% renewable energy target by 2041 demands clear policies, private-sector collaboration, and a shift toward energy conservation.
She proposed measures such as ensuring reliable power for industries, subsidizing renewables for energy-intensive sectors, and repurposing power plant land for solar and other renewable projects.
The three-day conference brings together over 300 national and international representatives, including policymakers, energy experts, private-sector investors, and civil society organizations.
Building on the success of its 2023 edition, this year’s event, co-organized by 23 partners, aims to foster collaboration for sustainable energy development.
Special guests included Dr. Mohammad Tamim, Professor at BUET, and Munawar Misbah Moin, Managing Director of Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Limited (RREL).
Other speakers, such as Cynan Houghton of Tara Climate Foundation and Lidy Nacpil of the Asian Peoples Movement for Debt and Development, shared insights on renewable energy transitions and the global challenge of moving away from fossil fuels.
Dr. Tamim highlighted the potential of solar energy, suggesting that replacing fossil fuel-based power plants could save 4,000–5,000 MW during summer, while energy efficiency measures could reduce electricity consumption by 30–40%.
The conference features two parallel sessions on key themes: “Policy Coherence in the Energy & Power Sector for Green Transition” and “Institutional Reform for a Just and Green Transition.” These sessions aim to align policies and institutional frameworks with sustainable energy goals.
Hasan Mehedi, Member Secretary of Bangladesh Working on Ecology and Development, welcomed participants, emphasizing the need to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The event focuses on five strategic themes: policy coherence, institutional reform,
financial mechanisms, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and social and environmental considerations.
The Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050 Conference, running until December 13, 2024, is set to drive cohesive actions for a sustainable energy future in Bangladesh, offering enriched participation, diverse perspectives, and strategic dialogues.
Bangladesh energy conference pushes for sustainable transition
