Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced today that the interim government has dismantled the entrenched corruption structure within the power and energy sectors. “We have undertaken legal and institutional reform activities in the sector, leaving a transparent and sustainable roadmap for the future elected government,” he stated during a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the repeal of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010 as a significant achievement. He mentioned that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) now has the authority to set electricity and energy prices, which has resulted in stable electricity prices over the last 16-17 months.
Dr. Khan further explained that two committees were established to investigate corruption and allegations, with one at the national level to identify systemic corruption and another comprising judges and independent experts to conduct thorough investigations. Additionally, he addressed the resolution of the conflict of interest where secretaries of the same ministry previously served as chairmen of subordinate companies, an arrangement that has since been abolished.
In terms of policy development, the adviser noted the formulation of several sector-specific policies, including the Renewable Energy Policy-2025 and Merchant Power Policy-2025. He also mentioned efforts to resolve conflicts between the Rural Electricity Board and the Rural Electricity Association through a new rule aimed at balancing power.
Addressing the energy sector, Dr. Khan reported the payment of substantial foreign arrears, which has led to a reduction in the import of premium oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). He emphasized the increased competition and reduced premium costs due to the removal of refinery ownership conditions on oil imports from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), resulting in a savings of Tk. 1,500 crore over the past six months.
Moreover, he discussed the ongoing modernization of Eastern Refinery Limited at a cost of Tk. 31,057 crore, which aims to upgrade the facility to Euro-5/6 standards to minimize environmental pollution. On the topic of exploration, Dr. Khan acknowledged the lengthy nature of onshore and offshore exploration, revealing that a revised agreement for offshore gas exploration has been prepared for the future government’s consideration.
Responding to inquiries about coal mining, he confirmed that no new projects were initiated due to public movements over the past year and a half, though a feasibility study has been completed for the future government. Regarding the Rooppur nuclear power plant, he projected that it would begin producing 300-MW of electricity by March, with production expected to increase over time.
The press conference, chaired by Shamim Jahangir, Chairman of the Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB), was attended by energy secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, power secretary Farzana Momtaz, and other officials.