Bangladesh must diversify its energy mix, reduce fuel wastage, improve efficiency and embrace modern technologies to ensure long-term energy security, experts said on Monday.
They made the remarks at a seminar titled “Energy Security in Bangladesh: Understanding the Challenges and Shaping the Way Forward”, organised by the Young Engineers Chapter of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at its headquarters.
Energy security requires a broader approach
Presenting the keynote paper, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) member Prof Dr Engineer Syeda Sultana Razia said uninterrupted and affordable energy supply is essential for Bangladesh’s economic development, industrialisation and daily life.
She identified declining domestic gas reserves, dependence on imported fuels, rising international energy prices, pressure on foreign exchange and limitations in power generation and supply as major challenges to the country’s energy security.
IEB raises concerns over energy wastage
Speaking as a special guest, IEB Vice-President (Academic and International) Engineer Khan Manzur Morshed said the IEB headquarters has already organised four seminars on energy security.
The recommendations from those discussions are being consolidated for publication, he said, adding that the initiative will provide a comprehensive direction on the problems, prospects and way forward for the energy sector.
Manzur Morshed also raised concerns about assigning important technical positions to non-technical personnel who lack adequate engineering and technological knowledge.
“Qualified, experienced and skilled engineers should be given appropriate responsibilities in technical institutions and important projects,” he said.
Calls for review of power projects
The IEB vice-president questioned whether adequate feasibility studies were conducted before several power plants were established in the past.
He said authorities should review whether fuel sources, supply arrangements, costs and long-term fuel availability were properly assessed before approving such projects.
“Establishing a power plant cannot be based only on its generation capacity. Fuel availability, economic viability, operating costs and long-term sustainability must also be considered,” Manzur Morshed said.
He called for transparent and independent investigations into projects that were implemented without adequate planning, technical assessment or feasibility studies and are now creating financial and operational pressure on the state.
IEB to send recommendations to authorities
In his welcome speech, IEB Honorary General Secretary (Acting) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Russell said the recommendations emerging from the seminar will be carefully considered and sent to the relevant ministries and authorities.
The seminar was chaired by Engineer Md Tofazzel Hossain, chairman of the IEB Young Engineers Chapter.
IEB Honorary Assistant General Secretary (S&DW) Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, Honorary Assistant General Secretary (HRD) Engineer Md Nur Amin, leaders of various engineering divisions and chapters, members of the central council and engineers from different engineering organisations also attended the seminar.