Corruption and irregularities permeate power and energy sector, says adviser

Adviser for Power and Energy, and Road Transport and Bridges Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has condemned widespread corruption and irregularities in the power and energy sector.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with senior officials at Petrobangla's headquarters in the city on Wednesday, Khan expressed grave concerns about the pervasive nature of corruption.

“Wherever I look, I see evidence of irregularities and corruption,” Khan said.

The adviser warned the officials to rid themselves of corrupt practices and emphasised that stern actions would be taken against those involved in such activities.

Mr Khan said from now on the secretaries of the power division and the energy and mineral resources division will be no longer chairman of state-run power and energy companies, unless an unavoidable situation arises, to avoid contradictories.

The interim government will also form an independent committee, headed by a retired justice, to review the projects and agreements inked under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010 (Amended 2021), he said.

The government has already suspended special laws used by the previous government to accelerate deals and projects in the power and energy sectors bypassing competitive biddings, annulled the law cutting government authority to regulate natural gas and power tariffs avoiding stakeholders’ opinion, the adviser continued.

As per Mr Khan, the suspension of the special law has put several multi-billion dollar power and energy deals and projects that were in the pipeline at risk, including proposed fossil fuel and renewable energy-based power plants, liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals, long-term LNG deals, and petroleum product import contracts, and spot LNG purchase modalities.

The adviser stressed that the public demands LNG and petroleum products be imported at more rational and reduced costs.

Regarding the resumption of operation of Summit LNG Terminal, Mr Khan said that a specific timeframe has been sought from the contractor to ensure the coming back online of the FSRU.

Summit has informed that the FSRU will come online within September 7-10, he said.

The LNG terminal has been shut since May 30 after it was hit by a floating pontoon during the cyclone Remal mayhem.

The country’s overall natural gas supply will increase after resumption of LNG re-gasification in Summit’s FSRU, the adviser expressed hope.

azizjst@yahoo.com