7th August 2022

Dhaka, August 7, 2022 (PR) - The Bangladesh Energy Society (BES) today held its 5th webinar, entitled 'Sustainable Energy Security in Bangladesh – Vision of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman'. Held on the occasion of National Energy Security Day, this webinar focused on ensuring sustainable energy security and supply across Bangladesh in light of Bangabandhu's energy guidelines.

 

To ensure the uninterrupted development of Bangladesh, experts present during the webinar suggested that it is important to consider all the sources of energy supply while undertaking any work. They also opined that the government should ensure foreign investment in this sector. Furthermore, more nuclear power plants should be considered to explore, extract and utilize the country's own gas and coal; expand renewable energy; and increase the amount of clean energy. In particular, the use of new technologies such as Small Modular Reactor (SMR) systems can also be considered. They also suggested working on all alternative sources of primary energy and power generation.

 

Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikrom, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, participated as chief guest in the webinar. Present as special guest Md. Mahbub Hossain, Senior Secretary of Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the MPEMR. Muhammad Aziz Khan, Founder and Chairman of Summit Group, were present as the Guest of Honor, among others.

 

In the webinar, which was presided over by Mr. Md Abul Kalam Azad, President of Bangladesh Energy Society (BES) and Former Principal Secretary, and moderated by Mollah M Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy & Power, the keynote paper was presented by Engr. Khondkar Abdus Saleque (Sufi), International Energy Consultant, Kingston, Australia. Participating as discussants were Professor Mohammad Tamim, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Mr. Deepesh Nanda, Chief Executive Officer, GE Gas Power (South Asia). The closing speech was presented by Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, General Secretary, Bangladesh Energy Society (BES) and Former Member, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

 

Speaking at the webinar, Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikrom, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh said, “The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu undertook various initiatives to advance the development of the country with his vision and courage. Keeping in line with his noble vision, if we can use solar power across the country to meet the current energy demand, then we can greatly reduce dependence on other energy sources. We must also focus on formulating and implementing policies that address the needs of the future, as well as those of the present.” He added, “It is also important that our countrymen be economical and conscious in their use of energy.”

 

Muhammad Aziz Khan, Founder and Chairman of Summit Group said, “Bangladesh is undoubtedly capable of self-sufficiency in various fields, but we are still lagging behind in the energy sector. However, I believe that with timely policy formulation, local investment and the combined efforts of the public and private sectors, we will be able to meet energy demands.”

 

"Bangladesh is an oil and gas importing country and a major portion of our total energy is oil-based," said Professor Mohammad Tamim, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department and Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). He continued, “Previously, we used to provide subsidies for oil, but not for gas and electricity. In the present time, the situation has changed. Accordingly, the government must take action by setting appropriate policies.”

 

Mozammel Babu, Managing Director of Ekattor Television said, "When the whole world began contending with COVID-19 in the last two years, Bangladesh handled the situation very efficiently, so there is no room to doubt Bangladesh's capabilities. That said, we have to be more proactive in dealing with the energy crisis and potential future crises."

 

Deepesh Nanda, CEO, GE Gas Power South Asia said, “As Bangladesh's power economy is gas-based, there are many advantages to using a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, and thus, generating greener electricity. GE is committed to addressing on-ground challenges and contributing to energy security at every stage of the energy transition.”

 

BES president and former chief secretary Md. Abul Kalam Azad said, “As a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh, like other nations across the world, is failing to import sufficient amounts of fuel oil to meet energy demands. On the other hand, our mineral resources are also being degraded due to climate change. With these factors in mind, it is essential for us to use fuel as efficiently as possible, and to find and make use of alternative energy solutions.”

 

In the concluding speech, Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, General Secretary, Bangladesh Energy Society (BES) and Former Member, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) said, “I extend my gratitude to all those who have participated in today's webinar and shared valuable insights and solutions to the ongoing energy-related problems. This discussion has helped us all to learn about various important issues, current problems and possible solutions and I hope that by working together we will be able to tackle the current crisis. The energy crisis is a global problem, so finding a long-term solution for it is bound to be time-consuming. However, we can prevent future destabilization through appropriate policy formulation and consistent adjustment of fuel prices.”

 

 

The Bangladesh Energy Society (BES) is a non-profit voluntary organization working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to ensure the country’s energy security. The main aim of BES is to assist in policy-making, and conduct public awareness activities, on correct and contemporary use of energy. In doing so, they wish to ensure energy supply across the country through the use of modern technology and keeping with global practices.


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