DHAKA, Feb 10, (V7N) – Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the interim government has taken a series of legal, institutional and policy initiatives aimed at improving transparency, governance and long-term sustainability in the country’s power and energy sectors.

“We have focused on reform-oriented actions to address long-standing challenges and to leave behind a clear, transparent and sustainable roadmap for the future elected government,” he said while addressing a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban on the activities and achievements of the ministry during the interim government’s tenure.

The adviser said the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act, 2010 was repealed as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight. He noted that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has been empowered to determine electricity and energy prices, adding that no electricity tariff increase has taken place over the past 16–17 months.

To review allegations and systemic weaknesses, the ministry formed two separate committees—one at the national level to identify structural issues, and another comprising judges and independent experts to examine specific allegations, Khan said.

He also said steps were taken to address potential conflicts of interest in the sector, noting that the practice of ministry secretaries simultaneously serving as chairpersons of subordinate companies has been discontinued

On policy development, Khan said several sector-specific policies were formulated, including the Renewable Energy Policy-2025 and the Merchant Power Policy-2025. He added that a new rule is being processed to help resolve long-standing operational issues between the Rural Electrification Board and Palli Bidyut Samities, with the aim of ensuring a balanced and functional framework.

Regarding electricity tariffs, the adviser said a BUET-led expert committee conducted a project-based review to examine concerns related to high power costs.

In the energy sector, Khan said a significant portion of foreign arrears had been cleared, helping to reduce additional premium costs on fuel oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. He noted that easing refinery ownership conditions for oil imports by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) increased competition, reduced premiums by around 35 percent, and resulted in savings of approximately Tk 1,500 crore over the past six months.

He also informed that the Eastern Refinery Limited is undergoing modernization at a cost of Tk 31,057 crore, which, once completed, is expected to upgrade the facility to Euro-5/6 standards and help reduce environmental pollution.

On exploration, Khan said both onshore and offshore gas exploration are long-term processes, adding that a revised offshore exploration agreement has been prepared for consideration by the next government.

Responding to questions on coal mining, he said no new coal projects were initiated during the interim period due to social sensitivities, though feasibility studies have been completed for future decision-making.

Regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the adviser said it is expected to begin generating around 300 megawatts of electricity in March, with output gradually increasing over time.

The press conference was chaired by Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) Chairman Shamim Jahangir. Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Power Secretary Farzana Momtaz, and other senior officials were also present.

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