Criticising the Rooppur Power Plant and the controversial Adani Group energy deals, he said those were prime examples of large-scale corruption and mismanagement in the energy sector

TDS Desk:

Terming the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant a “white elephant”, experts said it exemplified the mismanagement and corruption which plagued Bangladesh’s energy sector under the Awami League-led government.

The comments were made during a regional dialogue organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) titled “Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction” at the Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram today (5 October).

Speaking at the event, Dr Muinul Islam, an economist and former professor at Chittagong University, called for systemic changes in governance, advocating for constitutional reforms to balance power between the prime minister and the president.

Criticising the Rooppur Power Plant and the controversial Adani Group energy deals, he said those were prime examples of large-scale corruption and mismanagement in the energy sector.

“These projects have become massive financial burdens on the nation, draining resources without delivering the promised benefits,” Dr Islam stated, adding that immediate reforms are necessary to curb such inefficiencies.

Professor Nizam Uddin Ahmed echoed the need for reforms, particularly in safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring a balanced executive branch.

He stressed that any constitutional changes must protect the rights of the people and prevent future governments from altering the constitution post-election to suit their interests.

Zillur Rahman, executive director of CGS, underscored the importance of perseverance in building a democratic state, emphasising that setbacks in governance do not equate to national failure.

“We must remain hopeful and committed to our collective efforts to improve governance, ensuring that all communities have a voice in shaping the future of our country,” Rahman urged.

The dialogue marked the first in a series organised by CGS, aimed at discussing democratic reforms and governance issues across Bangladesh.