Interim Government Energy Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that due to the government’s short tenure, many investment initiatives could not be implemented, and several reform achievements could not be showcased.
Dr Khan made the remarks on Sunday while reviewing five newly launched energy sector applications and the draft Electricity and Energy Sector Master Plan at the Power Division headquarters.
Later in the afternoon, he briefed journalists ahead of the government’s departure.
“Projects in the power and energy sector cannot be implemented within two years. Investment was needed, but we could not secure it due to the short tenure of the government. A member of the Saudi royal family even inquired about the remaining term of our government during investment discussions. If the government’s term had been longer, the investment could have materialised. Another FSRU was also required, but it could not happen due to our limited time,” he said.
On his personal assets, Dr Khan stated, “I have declared my assets. I have no personal ambition. My assets may increase slightly because I sold a car. When I leave office, I may need to buy another car, which would reduce my assets again.”
Responding to questions about whether anyone involved in corruption during the previous Awami League government was punished, he said: “We have identified various irregularities. Taking action is now the responsibility of the Anti-Corruption Commission. We prepared recommendations through a national committee and a tariff committee. The next government will review them.”
Regarding the early settlement of dues with foreign companies, he noted that many foreign suppliers had threatened to cut off gas supply over unpaid arrears, leaving the government no choice but to pay them in advance.
On power projects approved by previous governments, he said: “None of these projects received Cabinet Committee approval. The Finance Division has confirmed that no approval was granted for these projects.”
On preparations for Ramadan, Dr Khan said: “I am not claiming that there will be no load-shedding at all, but any government that comes will not face a critical crisis.”
The briefing was attended by Power Secretary Farzana Momtaz, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, BPC chairman Md Rezanur Rahman, BPDB Chairman Md Rezaul Karim, and other senior officials from both ministries.