Staff Reporter :
The National Committee for the Protection of Oil, Gas, Minerals, Power, and Ports has issued a series of demands, urging the cancellation of all power and energy deals established during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
The committee called for a review of potential contracts and advocated for transparency in the management of national resources.
At a view-exchange meeting held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Auditorium on Saturday, the committee underscored its concerns over perceived irregularities in the energy sector and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Additionally, the committee called for the cancellation of the Rampal power project, citing severe environmental impacts, and requested a halt to power imports from India’s Adani Group.
Push for Lower Energy Prices and Stronger Local Resource Control
The committee also urged the government to reduce domestic oil and gas prices to alleviate financial pressure on citizens.
Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the committee, emphasized the need for national control over resources, advocating that gas extraction should be conducted within the country’s capacity.
“The complete ownership of our resources must be ensured,” Muhammad stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining sovereignty over Bangladesh’s natural assets.
Prominent Experts Highlight Financial Inefficiencies
Dr. Shamsul Alam, an energy expert, pointed out potential savings within the sector.
He noted that ensuring transparency in coal importation could save the country up to Tk 6,000 crore annually, while improved efficiency across the power sector could lead to additional savings of Tk 40,000 crore.
Both experts criticized past contracts, arguing that negligence and mismanagement under the Awami League administration resulted in substantial economic losses and an inflated energy market.
Nationwide Rally Set for November 4 In support of its six-point agenda, the committee announced plans for a nationwide rally on November 4.
This demonstration will demand accountability for “energy criminals” who allegedly exploited the nation’s resources over the past 16 years through acts of corruption and mismanagement.
Dr. Shamsul called for the prosecution of these individuals, asserting that justice must be served to restore public confidence in the interim government.
He also advocated for enhanced authority for the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), enabling it to make decisive rulings regarding energy prices.
Offshore Gas and Nuclear Project Concerns Anu Muhammad criticized the former administration’s offshore gas block deals, contending that the government must ensure public ownership of these resources before awarding any rights to foreign entities.
He alleged that the Speedy Enhancement of Power and Energy Supply (Special Act) of 2010, enacted during the Awami League rule, served only to protect those engaged in unlawful activities within the energy sector.
The committee further demanded the cancellation of the Rooppur nuclear power plant agreement, expressing concerns over the safety of 12 million citizens living in the plant’s vicinity should any operational issues arise.
