Staff Reporter :
Energy expert Professor M Tamim yesterday said, unless the so-called “mafia system” in the energy and power sectors is dismantled and those involved are held accountable, systemic corruption will persist.
He claimed corruption in the energy and power sector was a result of collusion among politicians, bureaucrats, and business entities during the ousted Awami League government’s tenure.
Prof Tamim also alleged that during the fled Prime Minister Hasina’s tenure, no power plants had been established without political and financial trade-offs and the centralized power under Hasina regime facilitated corruption in energy sector.
He made these remarks at a shadow parliament debate programme organized by the Debate for Democracy at the FDC auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
The debate titled “Bureaucrats Are More Responsible Than Politicians for Corruption in the Energy and Power Sectors”.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Tamim further criticized corruption within businesses like S Alam and Summit groups, calling for forensic scrutiny.
Mentioning the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), he claimed that the previous government was involved in maintaining this opacity to set higher prices while showing losses.
The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology professor expressed the ousted government’s reliance on LNG imports due to commission incentives rather than pursuing domestic gas exploration and extraction.
He further highlighted the lack of accountability in determining prices, stating, “The AL government avoided public hearings and instead, used the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission [BERC] to set energy and fuel prices.”
About the Adani deal, the energy expert also raised concerns over the power purchase agreement with Adani Group which was finalised within three days without adequate discussions.
“The deal includes paying 100 percent capacity charges while also paying for an additional 40 percent unused power.”
Prof Tamim called for a review of the agreement, deeming it “unfair”.
Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the event.
Kiran criticised the 2010 indemnity law passed by the Awami League government, which he claimed was extended repeatedly to facilitate corruption in power generation, distribution, and procurement projects.
He alleged widespread corruption in pre-paid electricity meters and industrial gas supplies, accusing the AL government of colluding with private interests.
Daffodil International University emerged victorious over American International University-Bangladesh in the debate competition.
