Dhaka: Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has attributed the current energy crisis in Bangladesh to the previous Awami League government's flawed energy policies, particularly its dependency on imports, and a failure to develop national capacity. According to United News of Bangladesh, Titumir made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Economic Context and Emerging Challenges: Priorities for the Coming Days," jointly organized by the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) and the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in Dhaka. He emphasized the importance of informing the public that the current government is not responsible for the existing energy distress. Titumir highlighted that past wrong policies and decisions are a major factor contributing to the crisis. He stressed the need for public awareness to appreciate an accountable government's effectiveness. The adviser pointed out that fluctuating global energy prices and supply uncertainties due to M iddle East tensions are affecting Bangladesh. He compared the cost of LNG imports from Qatar, which stands at approximately $11 per unit, with the lower potential costs of domestic gas exploration and production. The adviser criticized previous policies for prioritizing import dependency over national energy security. He noted that the lack of domestic gas exploration and initiatives to meet renewable energy targets have led to the present situation. Titumir called for an assessment of the 'cost of inaction' and 'cost of wrongdoing,' including money laundering abroad and accumulated energy sector liabilities. He urged key organizations to conduct comprehensive research to ensure governance and accountability. Titumir also addressed the issue of crony patronage and import reliance, stating that they have created an oligarchic structure in the energy sector, undermining long-term energy security and squandering public funds. He highlighted ongoing government interventions aimed at securing future energy needs , including a target to produce 4,000 megawatts of solar power. Recent measures include initiatives to purchase electricity from solar power producers and incentives for solar equipment production. On the healthcare front, Titumir advocated for the proper use of budgetary allocations while expanding sub-district level health infrastructure. Plans are in place for 150-bed Upazila Health Complexes, district-level kidney dialysis centers, and coronary care units. Regarding inflation, he linked past inflationary pressures to corruption and supply chain issues, noting that inflation remains slightly above 8 percent with a target to reduce it to 6 percent gradually. Titumir announced a Tk 60,000 crore package finalized to reopen closed industrial plants, with commercial banks set to start financing in September. He also highlighted record revenue collection at Chittagong Custom House during the last fiscal year and encouraged media outlets to base evaluations of government performance on verified statistics. Deta iled progress data following the government's first quarter will be released in mid-October. The adviser reiterated the government's commitment to recovering from past losses and establishing an accountable, effective, and sustainable state system across energy, revenue, education, health, and employment sectors. The seminar was presided over by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala and attended by notable guests, including National Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah, FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Haq, and CPD Distinguished Fellow Dr. Fahmida Khatun.
