The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has called for the prosecution of individuals and organizations implicated in widespread corruption and mismanagement in the energy sector between 2009 and 2024.
CAB emphasized the need for strict accountability to protect consumers burdened by excessive costs and poor governance.
The CAB energy adviser Prof M Shamsul Alam made the demand on behalf of the organization during the view exchange meeting with energy reporters at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital today.
Key Entities Involved in Corruption
CAB specifically accused several prominent individuals and organizations of misconduct. Among them are former Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former Principal Secretaries to Prime Minister’s Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus and Abul Kalam Azad, and former Power Secretary Manowar Islam. The association also criticised the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, as well as private sector power companies, for contributing to systematic exploitation through questionable contracts and predatory practices.
Key Demands by CAB
1. Prosecution of Energy Looters: CAB urged the government to prosecute those involved in looting and corruption under the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2008 and the BERC Act 2003.
2. Repeal of Controversial Laws: CAB demanded the repeal of Section 2(2) (a) and (b) of the “Increase in Rapid Supply of Electricity and Fuel (Special Provisions) Act (Repeal) Ordinance 2024,” which they claim enabled exploitative practices in the energy sector.
3. Sector Reform: CAB proposed turning the energy sector into a public service managed on a cost-plus basis, ensuring transparency and eliminating opportunities for corruption.
4. Fair Pricing Mechanism: The association called for the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to determine and publish energy prices through public hearings and immediately implement the three withheld regulations regarding petroleum product pricing.
5. Leadership Reform: CAB emphasized the need for transparent appointments in BERC and government energy companies to curb conflicts of interest.
Irregularities in Energy Projects
CAB highlighted several corrupt practices, including:
Private Power Plants: Many private power plants failed to meet minimum operational standards yet received subsidies and capacity payments, contributing to massive losses.
Adani Power Contracts: CAB demanded the cancellation of contracts with Adani’s coal-based power plant, accusing it of exploiting consumers through predatory pricing.
Mega Projects: Irregularities in large-scale projects such as Rampal, Matarbari, and Payra have raised concerns about inefficiencies and inflated costs.
Broader Call for Justice
CAB stressed the urgent need to recover looted funds, prosecute offenders, and reform the energy sector to protect consumers and ensure national energy security. By addressing systemic corruption and promoting transparency, CAB believes it is possible to deliver affordable, reliable energy services for all.
