Dhaka: Former adviser to the caretaker government and Executive Chairman of Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman today said Bangladesh’s energy challenges could be overcome through stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector alongside innovative and sustainable solutions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Hossain Zillur emphasized the importance of energy security and the potential role of solar energy in addressing the country’s energy issues. He suggested forming a monitoring cell on energy matters through public-private partnerships while addressing a roundtable discussion titled ‘Future of Energy in Bangladesh: Security, Sustainability, and Investment Opportunities’ in the capital.
The event was organized by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) in cooperation with Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and Greentech Foundation Bangladesh at the BCI boardroom, as per a press release.
Dr. Hossain Zillur highlighted the need for innovative ideas to tackle the growing energy demand and supply gap. He mentioned proposals for land-based Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) and the necessity of encouraging the use of energy-efficient equipment to reduce wastage and enhance sustainability.
BCI President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), who chaired the event, commented on the shifting landscape of Bangladesh’s industry, which was previously buoyed by cheap gas, energy, and labor. He noted a significant decline in gas production since 2022 and the government’s efforts to bridge the deficit with LNG imports.
Parvez emphasized the critical nature of energy for industries and employment in the country, urging stakeholders to maintain a positive outlook and jointly explore solutions to the ongoing crisis. He encouraged the private sector to propose practical, long-term energy solutions to the government to ensure future energy security.
The keynote paper at the discussion was presented by lead analyst of the Institute for Energy Economics Shafiqul Alam. Among others, the event featured contributions from Member (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council Dr. Md Rafiqul Islam, former senior secretary and adviser to Greentech Foundation Bangladesh Siddique Zobayer, President of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association David Hasanat, President of Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association Moinul Islam Swapan, Senior Vice-President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Enamul Haque Khan, and President of BSREA Mostafa Al Mahmud.
Representatives from various government and private organizations also attended the discussion.