Dhaka:BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the power sector to prevent a recurrence of the mismanagement and looting experienced under the previous Awami League government. Rizvi made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a public dialogue organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and CAB Youth Parliament at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi highlighted that the ousted Awami League government had enacted an indemnity law, which he claimed facilitated looting in the power sector. This law, he argued, was designed to prevent legal actions against activities in the sector, thus reflecting an ill intention.
Rizvi stressed the importance of accountability across all sectors in a democratic society, asserting that the media should have the freedom to critique and discuss the merits and shortcomings of various sectors, prompting government clarifications. He cited the hardships of residents in Kurigram's river chars and urban slums who remain deprived of consistent electricity supply despite claims of nationwide electrification.
He also noted the potential of rooftop solar power and other renewable energy sources as emerging opportunities. Rizvi mentioned that energy security was a significant agenda item during the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and Japan, which resulted in agreements worth one trillion yen. Additionally, he acknowledged the government's efforts to incentivize surplus electricity contributions to the national grid, which could also foster employment opportunities.
The dialogue was chaired by CAB General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan and attended by CAB Energy Adviser Professor M Shamsul Alam, along with teachers and students involved in related research.