The National Committee for Protecting Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power, and Ports has called for the prosecution of ministers, state ministers, secretaries, and advisers responsible for corruption and anti-national agreements in Bangladesh’s power and energy sectors.
The demand was made at a seminar titled “Outline of the Energy and Power Sector: Current Situation and Necessary Steps,” held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium on Saturday.
Prominent figures, including Professor Anu Muhammad, Professor MM Akash, Professor Shamsul Alam, Professor Mosahida Sultana, and Dr. Anis Chowdhury, joined political and organizational leaders in supporting the call for reforms.
Former member-secretary of the National Committee, Professor Anu Muhammad, reiterated that the committee’s mission began with opposition to gas exports, asserting that nuclear power was unnecessary for Bangladesh and should be replaced by sustainable alternatives. He also stressed the need to cancel projects like Rampal and Rooppur, citing environmental and economic risks.
Speakers underscored the urgency of delivering uninterrupted, affordable, and transparent power, fuel, and renewable energy services to the public. They emphasized that transparency, fairness, accountability, and equity must be assured in the supply chain. There was a collective call for action to address irregularities from previous governments and bring offenders to justice.
The committee presented a six-point demand for immediate reform.
Firstly, it urged swift measures to reduce the prices of electricity and energy in the short term, suggesting that existing petroleum product rates undergo evaluation by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). The committee recommended halting subsidies to private power plants that profit unfairly from capacity charges, as this subsidy structure adds financial strain to consumers. It also proposed reviewing solar power contracts to address overpriced agreements, either by adjusting rates or canceling such contracts altogether.
Secondly, the committee called for a comprehensive review of energy contracts signed under past administrations, especially large-scale projects like Rooppur, Rampal, Matarbari, and Payra, which involve significant investments in liquid fuel, gas, coal, and renewable energy sectors. Contracts deemed unsuitable for public interest should be revised or annulled. The environmental impact of projects like Rampal should be evaluated by independent experts and disclosed to the public. The committee also called for a reassessment of contracts with the Adani Group, arguing that high import costs negatively impact local consumers and should be addressed for the benefit of the Bangladeshi population.
Thirdly, the committee emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for past energy sector mismanagement accountable. It advocated for the swift conclusion of ongoing cases filed in the public interest, urging the prosecution of high-ranking officials, ministers, advisers, and consultants implicated in energy-related crimes. A tribunal under BERC should be established to investigate and adjudicate accusations within the power and primary energy sectors. Additionally, the committee called for public disclosure of all individuals involved in corrupt practices, ensuring transparency and restoring public confidence in the sector.
Fourthly, institutional reforms and capacity-building in the power sector were emphasized as essential. The committee called for ending the reliance on foreign consultants in the country’s energy planning. Instead, a master plan rooted in local expertise should be adopted, with the committee’s 2017 proposal as a foundational reference. A regulatory framework under BERC should guide the selection and appointment of senior officials to ensure qualified and conflict-free leadership. Moreover, ministry officials should be removed from energy company boards to prevent conflicts of interest and uphold organizational integrity.
Fifthly, the committee recommended expanding domestic gas production to reduce dependency on imported fuel. This initiative would include developing existing gas fields such as Shahbazpur and Bhola while exploring offshore resources. The committee suggested enlisting international experts on contractual terms to assist in gas extraction, emphasizing that state-owned entities should retain full operational control over these ventures to maintain national sovereignty.
Finally, the committee advocated for a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure, specifically solar and wind power. The goal is to achieve 50,000 MW from solar and 30,000 MW from wind by 2041.
To facilitate this transition, the committee recommended eliminating tariffs on imported components essential for renewable energy production. It also proposed a strategic plan aimed at reducing renewable energy costs by 2030, ensuring affordable and sustainable energy options for future generations.
The National Committee highlighted the need to reform the 2003 BERC Act to reinforce governance, accountability, and transparency across Bangladesh’s power and energy sectors. Their recommendations aim to establish a more sustainable, affordable, and corruption-free energy framework essential for Bangladesh’s long-term development.
