Dhaka:Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused the Awami League government of creating chaos in the power sector through the enactment of an indemnity law. Rizvi made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public dialogue organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizvi emphasized the need for accountability across all sectors of the state to build a truly democratic society. He advocated for media freedom to write critically, ensuring public participation and government transparency.
During the dialogue, Rizvi addressed the ongoing power crisis, describing it as a global issue rather than just a domestic challenge. He noted that the government is implementing alternative measures to address the crisis, which is gradually easing. Rizvi mentioned that energy security was a key agenda during the Prime Minister's visit to Japan, expressing hope for resolving the power shortfalls soon.
Rizvi highlighted the potential of renewable energy, such as rooftop solar power generation, to open new opportunities. He referred to recent newspaper reports indicating growing interest and potential investment in this sector. If foreign companies' interest and new investment initiatives come to fruition, it could lead to positive changes in the country's power sector.
Commenting on the keynote paper presented at the dialogue, Rizvi praised the scientific approach taken, which allowed for questioning and further inquiry. He emphasized the importance of questioning as a major part of education and the growth of knowledge and science.
Rizvi also criticized the approach of determining poverty based on electricity usage, arguing that it does not fully represent people's socio-economic conditions, especially in remote areas lacking electricity access. He noted that even in electrified areas, not all families benefit equally from electricity.
The dialogue was presided over by CAB General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Chowdhury, with CAB Energy Adviser Professor M Shamsul Alam, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) General Secretary Alamgir Kabir, and journalist Kajol Shahid among the attendees.