Energy sector could change in 2-3 years if roadmap followed: Fouzul

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the interim government has prepared the ground and if the roadmap is followed by the next government, the energy sector’s landscape could change within the next two to three years.

Making his outgoing remarks at a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban, the adviser outlined the initiatives taken during his tenure.

“Our primary objective was to dismantle the long-entrenched institutional architecture of corruption in the power and energy sector and establish a transparent, accountable system,” he said.

He said corruption had not merely existed at the individual level but had taken institutional form through a comprehensive legal and administrative architecture built over many years.

“Our first task was to break that architecture,” he said, adding that steps had been taken to make it difficult for anyone to engage in corruption in the future.

Among the initiatives, he mentioned the repeal of a special law enacted in 2010, strengthening the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), withdrawing secretaries from power companies, and enacting the Renewable Energy Policy and the Merchant Power Policy.

He said two committees were also formed to investigate corruption networks during the previous regime and that these had identified irregularities. Following the reports, relevant state agencies are working to bring the offenders to justice.

The adviser added that preliminary preparations had been taken to advance onshore and offshore drilling for domestic gas exploration. The process of procuring new rigs for Petrobangla has begun, and offshore bidding documents have been revised and kept ready for the next government.

Calling for patience, he said, “No government comes with a magic wand. A stable, full-term government is needed for lasting solutions in the power and energy sector. The new government must be given time and cooperation.”