Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud on Monday alleged that most power and energy projects undertaken during the previous Awami League government’s 15-and-a-half-year tenure primarily served the interests of oligarchs rather than the public, leaving the sector and the overall economy under severe financial strain.
Speaking as the chief guest at a citizens’ dialogue on the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030), organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Mahmud said the present democratic government has inherited the responsibility of addressing the challenges created by the previous administration.
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The adviser highlighted what he described as widespread irregularities and corruption in the power and energy sectors under the former government. He said the current administration is implementing various reforms to reduce import dependence and build a more efficient, sustainable and consumer-friendly energy sector.
Mahmud said expanding solar power generation remains a top government priority to reduce dependence on imported fuel. He stressed that renewable energy is essential for easing the financial burden on the power sector but ruled out purchasing or producing electricity at excessively high costs that would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
He also expressed support for expanding rooftop solar projects through private sector participation and said no agricultural land would be used for such projects, with priority instead given to unused or fallow land.
The adviser noted that around 80 percent of the country’s electricity is currently generated by private producers, often at relatively high costs. He alleged that the previous government left behind outstanding liabilities amounting to Tk 56,000 crore, forcing the current administration to pay both past dues and ongoing obligations while continuing to provide monthly subsidies to keep the sector operational.
He said delays in clearing payments to power producers could disrupt electricity generation, making periodic tariff adjustments unavoidable under the current circumstances. However, he expressed optimism that greater reliance on renewable energy would significantly reduce fuel import costs in the future.
On energy security, Mahmud said the government is working on a plan to maintain a strategic fuel reserve sufficient for three months and is evaluating all possible options to achieve that goal.
He also emphasized that the strength of an elected government lies in public support and said the administration is committed to overcoming the country’s heavy debt burden while ensuring citizen satisfaction. He called for cooperation from all stakeholders in addressing the sector’s challenges.
At the event, energy expert Professor Dr M. Shamsul Alam presented the keynote paper on the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030).
