Energy crimes under scrutiny
Staff Reporter :
Key figures named in CAB report
The interim government is set to initiate trials for energy-related crimes, announced Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Saturday.
The adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources confirmed that a team led by retired justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury has been working to identify crimes within the energy sector.
Speaking at an event organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Fouzul Kabir Khan further remarked, “So far, we have not raised electricity prices. However, we are uncertain about how long we will be able to continue providing subsidies.”
During the event, Professor Shamsul Alam, Energy Adviser to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), called for the trial of four senior officials from the ousted Awami League government, accusing them of involvement in energy-related crimes.
The individuals named were former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, her former principal secretaries Abul Kalam Azad and Ahmad Kaikaus, and former power division secretary Monowar Islam.
“A nationwide mass signature campaign has been conducted in support of this demand, and a memorandum will be presented to the chief adviser,” Shamsul Alam said. “A special tribunal should be formed to address these issues.”
Shamsul Alam, referring to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, urged the interim government to take strict action against those involved.
He also stressed that the government should investigate and assess the extent of the wealth allegedly looted from various segments of the power sector, including imports, generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the actual expenditure within the sector.
Earlier, in December, CAB had called for action from the interim government to prosecute “energy criminals” who, according to the association, were involved in looting state assets through irrational deals with both local and international companies from 2009 to 2024.
The individuals listed in this context include former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-State Minister Nasrul Hamid, ex-Adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, and former Power Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad, Monwar Islam, and Dr Ahmed Kaikaus.