Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the government expects to save around Tk 420 crore every year by approving a new set of solar power tariffs through a fully open and competitive tendering process, says BSS report.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division, Fouzul said earlier contracts were cancelled because the proposed tariffs were “overpriced,” prompting a fresh, transparent retendering.
918 MW Solar Projects Approved at Lower Tariffs
The newly approved proposals cover 12 solar power projects with a combined capacity of 918 MW. These projects were initially taken up under the now-repealed Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010.
Fouzul said competitive bidding confirmed the government’s earlier concerns about inflated prices.
“In all 12 projects, we achieved power prices two to three cents per kilowatt-hour lower than before. This alone will save Tk 420 crore annually,” he said.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed chaired the meeting.
Push for Renewables as LNG Costs Rise
The Power Adviser stressed that Bangladesh must transition to renewable energy as reliance on imported LNG has become financially unsustainable.
However, he alleged that groups linked to past irregularities in the solar sector are attempting to obstruct this shift toward clean energy.
“Solar panels supplied under earlier social safety net programmes were often not found on the ground. Those who benefited from past corruption are now discouraging bidders from participating in open tenders,” he said.
Resistance Within Power Sector Agencies
Fouzul said the government received fewer bids in several cases due to such discouragement. He pointed to the rooftop solar programme as an example.
While most organisations submitted bids, the Rural Electrification Board (REB) reportedly received none—allegedly because field-level officials imposed additional requirements, such as mandatory transformer installation, that discouraged participants.
During a recent visit to Barishal, he observed that the Western Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) received bids, but local Palli Bidyut Samitis did not.
Fouzul said the REB chairman has been asked to take action against officers obstructing renewable initiatives.
“We are moving from a corruption-ridden process to a corruption-free one. Any obstruction to this transition must be addressed,” he said.
Bangladesh’s Energy Future Lies in Solar Expansion
The Adviser warned that Bangladesh cannot afford to continue large-scale LNG imports.
“Our future depends on solar and other renewable energy. We must ensure that no one can block this transition,” he added.