Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that unplanned development projects were taken in the power and energy sector during Sheikh Hasina regime with implemention at a higher cost. In an exclusive interview with UNB this week, Fouzul said during former prime minister Hasina’s tenure, the unplanned development projects with no value for money were often costlier than reasonable ones. He said there was massive irregularities and corruption in the energy and power sectors during the previous government, causing huge financial losses. The adviser, who also holds the road, transport and bridges ministry, criticised the approval of numerous unnecessary private power plants aimed at benefiting certain groups through nepotism, resulting in wasteful expenditure of public funds. Painting a picture of the Hasina government’s irregularities and grafts , he said the current situation has been exacerbated by the government's practice of purchasing electricity at inflated prices, which has put financial strain on power companies and hindered the ability to pay suppliers in dollars for gas imports. He acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining stable electricity tariffs, which have been raised repeatedly due to these challenges, ultimately harming consumers and leading to further waste of national resources. To address the issues of corruption and irregularities, the government has decided to form an independent probe body led by a judge to identify the culprits and take action based on the committee's recommendations, he said, warning that no one would be spared. The adviser emphasised efforts to address the ongoing energy crisis, saying that they have dismantled the existing rackets of irregularities and are restructuring power companies. He shared that the development of Matarbari Power Plant project is interconnected with deep-sea ports, economic zones, railways, and road projects, and stressed the importance of implementing these additional projects to truly benefit from the power plant. Measures taken after assuming office On this, Fouzul mentione about the suspension of a special law from 2010, the cancellation of a controversial clause from the BERC Act, reduction in fuel prices and removal of chairmen from companies under the ministries. He addressed the creation of specific guidelines to curb corruption in transfers and recruitment within the energy sector. Loadshedding The adviser said that power connections were given beyond the country’s capacity, leading to inevitable outages. He assured that technical problems, such as those at Barapukuria power plant, have been swiftly addressed and steps are being taken to enhance gas import capabilities. Irregularities and corruption in the power sector Fouzul affirmed a zero-tolerance policy and encouraged public cooperation in reporting mismanagement. He reiterated the commitment to open competition in project tenders, ensuring that no specific individual or group is favoured. Initiatives regarding illegal gas connections Fouzul expressed his plans to disconnect all unauthorised connections and hinted that investigations will reveal any corrupt officials involved. He also said that no new gas connections will be issued, particularly in areas already served by gas lines. Irregularities in the energy sector The adviser admitted the existing irregularities in the sector and indicated that measures are being taken to address them, although legal complexities may require time. Plans are underway to review contracts with the assistance of a committee to be formed by a former judge. He reaffirmed the government’s intention to restructure power companies and dismantle the existing framework of irregularities. The adviser emphasised the importance of equal opportunities for all in Bangladesh, saying that despite the ongoing challenges, solutions are also being sought. With initiatives to intensify gas exploration amid a pressing energy crisis, he announced plans for the drilling of 50 wells by 2025, with important collaboration from various firms. He projected that gas shortages could be alleviated with these efforts and committed to maintaining strict timelines and budgets for all projects moving forward.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said extreme poverty rate will come down to 3 percent by 2030 and that the country will be free of poverty after 2041. "Once 80 percent people were poor in Bangladesh but now the poverty rate stands at 20 percent thanks to good initiatives. The Sheikh Hasina government laid emphasis on eliminating poverty from the country in 2009," he said at the unwrapping ceremony of the book titled "Sheikh Hasina Sarker" at Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Momen said Bangladesh needs the incumbent government for its further development. Also read: SANEM survey: Population below poverty line doubled, extreme poor trebled in 2020 "Once our annual average growth rate was 2.2 percent. Now it’s 6.9 percent. It's an unbelievable development. Bangabandhu brought freedom and his daughter fulfilled his dreams," he said. Momen said Bangladesh once faced serious food crisis. The government announced to resolve the problem providing subsidy in agriculture sector. Now there is no food crisis. "Earlier, power cuts were common [but now] the government has increased power production to 24,000MW from 2009-2020," the minister added. The Foreign Minister said the government took lots of initiatives to make the population skilled to eliminate unemployment. Besides, the government took steps to tackle climate change impact. He said that is why the Prime Minister won champion of the earth award and earned the respect of the global audience. Also read: PM vows to wipe out poverty through united efforts About Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka, Momen said we are honoured that he chose Bangladesh to be his first tour abroad since the coronavirus outbreak. He added that 65 countries sent messages to appreciate Bangladesh. They also appreciated Sheikh Hasina for the Rohingya response. Momen highlighted Bangladesh’s development and said the country currently has a forex reserve of $44 billion and is regarded as a leader in South Asia. Also read: COVID-19 could push over 1 bln into extreme poverty: UNDP The author of the book Razu Alim said he tried to include various information about the government of Sheikh Hasina in his book. Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yesmin and Awami League Office Secretary Biplob Barua were also present at the event.

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday urged the BNP not for throwing stones in the dark by hiding the truth for politically ill intentions.