Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said that numerous unplanned development projects were undertaken in the power and energy sector during Sheikh Hasina's regime, often implemented at excessively high costs.

In an exclusive interview with UNB, Fouzul noted that under former Prime Minister Hasina's tenure, these poorly planned projects frequently lacked value for money and were considerably more expensive than reasonably priced alternatives.

"Massive irregularities and corruption in the energy and power sectors during the previous government caused huge financial losses", he told the news agency last week.

The adviser, who also oversees the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Bridges, criticized the approval of numerous private power plants that he claimed were established primarily to benefit specific groups through nepotism, leading to significant waste of public funds.

Highlighting the irregularities and corruption under the Hasina government, he explained that the situation has worsened as a result of purchasing electricity at inflated prices, which has strained power companies financially and hampered their ability to pay suppliers in dollars for imported gas.

He said the current government may not get much time to reform the energy and power sector. “But if anyone plans sabotage, it will be strictly dealt with. What the employees of Palli Biddyut Samity have done is unacceptable”, he said.

He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining stable electricity tariffs, which have been frequently raised due to these issues, ultimately impacting consumers and causing further waste of national resources.

To combat corruption and irregularities, the government has decided to establish an independent investigative body led by a judge to identify those responsible and to act on the committee's recommendations, he stated, adding that no one would be exempt from scrutiny.

The adviser underscored efforts to address the ongoing energy crisis, noting that existing networks of irregularities have been dismantled and power companies are undergoing restructuring.

He further mentioned that the Matarbari Power Plant project is integrated with other strategic projects, including deep-sea ports, economic zones, railways, and roads, emphasizing that the successful implementation of these auxiliary projects is essential to fully realizing the power plant's benefits.

Measures taken after assuming office

On this, Fouzul mentione about the suspension of a special law from 2010, the cancellation of a controversial clause from the BERC Act, reduction in fuel prices and removal of chairmen from companies under the ministries.

He addressed the creation of specific guidelines to curb corruption in transfers and recruitment within the energy sector.

Loadshedding

The adviser said that power connections were given beyond the country's capacity, leading to inevitable outages.

He assured that technical problems, such as those at Barapukuria power plant, have been swiftly addressed and steps are being taken to enhance gas import capabilities.

Irregularities and corruption in the power sector

Fouzul affirmed a zero-tolerance policy and encouraged public cooperation in reporting mismanagement.

He reiterated the commitment to open competition in project tenders, ensuring that no specific individual or group is favoured.

Fouzul expressed his plans to disconnect all unauthorised connections and hinted that investigations would reveal any corrupt officials involved.

He also said that no new gas connections will be issued, particularly in areas already served by gas lines.

Costlier power projects in Bangladesh taken by the government led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Irregularities in the energy sector

The adviser admitted the existing irregularities in the sector and indicated that measures are being taken to address them, although legal complexities may require time. Plans are underway to review contracts with the assistance of a committee to be formed by a former judge.

He reaffirmed the government's intention to restructure power companies and dismantle the existing framework of irregularities.

The adviser emphasised the importance of equal opportunities for all in Bangladesh, saying that despite the ongoing challenges, solutions are also being sought.

With initiatives to intensify gas exploration amid a pressing energy crisis, he announced plans for the drilling of 50 wells by 2025, with important collaboration from various firms.

He projected that gas shortages could be alleviated with these efforts and committed to maintaining strict timelines and budgets for all projects moving forward.

He said the current government may not get much time to reform the energy and power sector. “But if anyone plans sabotage, it will be strictly dealt with. What the employees of Palli Biddyut Samity have done is unacceptable”, he said.

The adviser said that the reasonable demands of Palli Biddyut Samity have been accepted. “A decision will be taken considering the demands raised by temporary workers to make them permanent. No sudden announcement can be made,” he added.

Fouzul Kabir said nobody should think that this government is a weak one. “This government is not weak, it is stronger than many governments.”

“If someone from Palli Biddyut Samity leaves without doing their duties, they should leave at once,” he said.

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