Dhaka: Policymakers, business leaders, and energy specialists today underscored the urgency of long-term policy predictability, modern regulation, and a coherent national energy vision to attract robust domestic and foreign investment into Bangladesh's power and energy sector. They agreed that Bangladesh must adopt decisive policy and regulatory measures to ensure reliable, competitive, and sustainable power to support industrial growth and national development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the speakers made the observations at a panel discussion titled 'Conducive Policy Environment for Catalyzing Private Investment in Power Sector,' held as part of a high-level dialogue on 'Enabling Bangladesh's Growth and Prosperity: Developing a Sustainable Power Sector Investment Climate' at a city hotel. The event was jointly organized by Policy Exchange Bangladesh and the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), with support from EMA Power. Former BKMEA President Md Fazlul Hoque moderated the session, while DFDL Partner Shahwar Nizam also spoke.
Speaking at the discussion as a guest of honour, Dr. Mahdi Amin, Adviser to BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, emphasized that energy security is a foundational pillar of economic growth, industrialization, and employment. He noted that industries have long suffered from energy, gas, and water shortages despite substantial investments, highlighting energy security as a critical concern. Dr. Amin stressed the need for transparent and sustainable future policies, pointing out past mega projects that suffered from a "culture of impunity."
Dr. Amin outlined his party's energy vision, which includes a balanced mix of solar, wind, waste-to-energy, nuclear, oil, coal, and gas, with a strong focus on domestic resource exploration and opportunities in the blue economy. He advocated for a private-sector-led energy strategy aligned with economic liberalization principles that have historically attracted foreign direct investment. Dr. Amin also emphasized the importance of a culture that allows foreign investors to enter through deregulation and one-stop services, with policies promoting meritocracy, fairness, and transparency.
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran T Rahman highlighted the urgent need for reform in policy predictability, regulatory modernization, and financial sustainability to unlock future private investment. Despite an installed capacity of around 28,000 to 29,000 MW, Bangladesh struggles to utilize even half due to a weak grid, costly fuel, and idle plants. Rahman stressed the importance of long-term visibility for investors regarding tariff pathways, fuel mix plans, and procurement processes, advocating for consistent and integrated energy and power master planning.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan emphasized the necessity of long-term pricing predictability for industrial competitiveness. He urged the government to address tax anomalies affecting rooftop solar expansion and highlighted challenges faced by members with NBR and customs despite seemingly favorable policies. Khan also addressed issues with the emerging merchant power purchase agreement (PPA) framework, noting the premature increase in wheeling charges and the lack of finalized billing modalities.
Energy expert and Independent University Bangladesh Vice Chancellor Dr. M Tamim cautioned that Bangladesh could face energy shortages by 2029 despite current overcapacity. He pointed out the absence of an action plan for renewable targets and the looming gas crisis within two to three years. Dr. Tamim highlighted limitations in LNG import capacity, inadequate local exploration, and the absence of a clear roadmap for nuclear and emerging small modular reactor technologies, stressing that the energy sector would be the greatest challenge for the next government.