The country's power and energy sector need to be freed from bureaucracy while the regulatory commission should be held accountable to the consumers.
Speakers made the suggestions at a civic exchange meeting on Thursday at Bidyut Bhaban on the proposed energy conversion policy enacted by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on ‘Energy Rights and Environmental Protection’.
According to the speakers, the top position of the power and energy sector is becoming dependent on bureaucrats. Due to the lack of technical manpower in the boards, the proper suggestions cannot be given. That is why it is necessary to remove the positions of the bureaucrats from these boards.
The CAB has observed in their observations that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), as the regulatory body, plays a limited role. Commissions have failed to create a competitive market.
The speakers also suggested adopting renewable energy instead of depending on carbon-based energy to reduce greenhouse effects.
Tanjim Uddin Khan, Professor of International Relations of Dhaka University discussed the energy conversion policy, proposed by CAB.
He said that people have the right to own electricity depending on their ability to alleviate poverty and improve the living standards of the people. A sound energy policy is essential for this. The energy policy was formulated in 1995, amended in 2004 but not approved.
The policy position of the government in the development and management of this sector seems to be inconsistent with the constitution and in some cases contrary to it. The policy was formulated by consumers in 2011 to ensure energy security. Professor M Shamsul Alam, Senior Vice President and energy adviser of CAB, said that bureaucrats run the business of state-owned companies. Many bureaucrats decide in their own interest without looking at the interests of the consumers. This is harming the interests of consumers.
"We want a bureaucrat-free regulatory commission. To this end, we want the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Act,’ implemented properly,” he said.
Architect Mobasher Hossain said, “Many countries are producing coal but not using it. Because they want to remain carbon-free. So where does this coal go? There is Bangladesh. Because we have not been able to get rid of bureaucracy yet. While we are campaigning for coal-free, carbon-free, tons of coal are coming in before this movement can be strengthened.”
“The good and the bad are in all cases. There are good and bad even among bureaucrats. We are talking about bad bureaucrats,” he added.
Professor Badrul Imam said, “The use of coal-based fuels should be gradually reduced. However, it is necessary to ensure that its use is reduced in phases. But instead of reducing the use of coal in our country, the upward journey of coal by building coal-based power plants is going to be implemented.’
Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, Advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court said, “CAB is working to implement the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Act to protect the energy rights of consumers. Cab is also working to ensure the rights of citizens. But the politicians and the government were supposed to do this.”
Syed Rizwana Hasan, CEO of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said, “There is a difference between our development philosophy and the government's development philosophy. This difference needs to be bridged.”
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid was scheduled to address the meeting as the chief guest. However, he could not attend due to illness. Golam Rahman, President of CAB, also presided over the meeting virtually.
Among others, advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, General Secretary of CAB, Acting Vice-Chancellor of South-East University Kudrat-i-Khuda, Professor M M Akash were also present at the event.