Power situation to improve within 3 weeks: Adviser Fouzul

The country's ongoing load-shedding situation will improve within the next three weeks, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Wednesday (11 September).

During a meeting with a delegation from the Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh at the conference room of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, he said there was a technical problem at Barapukuria power plant which is being resolved promptly and Rampal power plant has resumed operation.

In addition, communication is currently underway with Adani Power of India and arrangements have been made to import gas promptly, he added.

The energy adviser further said after assuming office, he has taken various steps to suspend the Speedy Power and Energy Supply (Special) Act 2010 and repeal Section 34(A) of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Act 2003, and reduce fuel price.

Steps have also been taken to remove the chairman and secretaries of various state-owned power and energy companies, dismantle the framework of corruption within the power and energy sector, and formulate specific policies to regulate transfers and recruitment aiming to eliminate the trade in these activities.

He said he also issued directives to ensure a fair competition among all parties in getting work. 

The adviser also sought cooperation from journalists to ensure the participation of all in the open tender, and urged them to provide information on irregularities and corruption in the power and energy sector.

The delegation led by Shamim Jahangir, chairman of the Forum for Energy Reporters, greeted Foulzul Kabir on assuming the role of the adviser.

Shamim said the forum will continue to cooperate fully in building a sustainable power and energy sector by exposing the irregularities and corruption in the sector through their objective news.

The delegation includes vice chairman, executive director, director and executive members.