Cancel power, energy deals made during AL era: National Oil-Gas Committee

The committee will hold a national meeting on November 4 to highlight its six-point demand

TBS report

October 26, 2024, 3:10 PM

Last modified: October 26, 2024, 6:13 PM

Illustration: TBS

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Illustration: TBS

Highlights:

It urged cancellation of the Rampal project
It demanded to stop import of power from Adani Group
Experts say gas should be extracted based on capacity
The country can save Tk40,000cr if transparency can be ensured

The National Committee for the Protection of Oil, Gas, Minerals, Energy and Ports has demanded the cancellation of all power and energy deals signed during the rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and asked that potential contracts be reviewed.

In addition, the committee has demanded exemplary punishment for the irregularities committed in the energy sector.

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The committee placed the demands today (October 26) during a views exchange meeting at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Auditorium.

The committee demanded the cancellation of the Rampal project, citing its environmental impact.

The National Committee for the Protection of Oil, Gas, Minerals, Energy and Ports during an exchange meeting at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Photo: Collected

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It also asked the government to stop importing power from the Adani Group.

They also demanded a reduction in oil and gas prices in the country.

Anu Muhammad, member secretary of the committee, said: “Full ownership of our resources must be secured. Gas must be extracted in accordance with our national capacity.”

Dr. Shamsul Alam, an energy expert, said: “If transparency in coal imports is ensured, the country can save Rs 6,000 crore per year.

“Also, Rs 40,000 crore can be saved in the power sector,” Shamsul added.

National meeting on November 4 demanding the trial of ‘energy criminals’

The committee will hold a nationwide meeting on November 4 to press home its six-point demand, including the trial of ‘energy criminals’ who have looted the country’s resources through crimes over the past 16 years under Awami League rule and corruption.

Dr. Shamsul said the energy criminals should be tried and punished for their crimes. Otherwise, the people will not get justice and the interim government will lose the support of the masses.

He also demanded that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) be given powers so that it could take all decisions in the energy sector related to prices.

Anu Muhammad said the government has launched international bids for offshore gas blocks but people’s ownership of the gas block must be ensured before awarding them to foreign companies.

He alleged that the fallen Awami League regime had enacted the Speedy Enhancement of Power and Energy Supply (Special Act) 2010 only to compensate the criminals for their misdeeds.

He also demanded cancellation of the Rooppur nuclear power plant deal, saying this project will put the lives of 1.2 crore people in grave danger.