TDS Desk

Corruption in the energy and power sectors was a result of collusion among politicians, bureaucrats, and business entities, energy expert Professor M Tamim said on December 14.

Speaking at a shadow parliament debate programme as the chief guest, Prof Tamim alleged that during the ousted Awami League government’s tenure, no power plants had been established without political and financial tradeoffs.

Tamim said, “The centralised power of the then prime minister facilitated corruption in the Prime Minister’s Office. Decentralising power could help mitigate such practices.”

The debate titled “Bureaucrats Are More Responsible Than Politicians for Corruption in the Energy and Power Sectors” was organised by the Debate for Democracy held at the FDC auditorium in Dhaka.

Prof Tamim further criticised corruption within businesses like S Alam and Summit groups, calling for forensic scrutiny.

Mentioning the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), he claimed that the previous government was involved in maintaining this opacity to set higher prices while showing losses.

Tamim criticised the current government for failing to bring transparency to these processes.

The energy expert also raised concerns over the power purchase agreement with Adani Group which was finalised within three days without adequate discussions.

“The deal includes paying 100% capacity charges while also paying for an additional 40% unused power.”

He called for a review of the agreement, deeming it “unfair”.

Tamim warned that unless the so-called “mafia system” in the energy and power sectors is dismantled and those involved are held accountable, systemic corruption will persist.

The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology professor criticised the previous government’s reliance on LNG imports due to commission incentives rather than pursuing domestic gas exploration and extraction.

He further highlighted the lack of accountability in price determinations, stating, “The previous government avoided public hearings and instead used the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission to set energy and fuel prices opaquely.”

Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the event.