Govt to initiate trials for energy-related crimes
CAB energy adviser demands trial of four top former officials from the ousted Awami League govt
The government will initiate trials for energy-related crimes, Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (25 January).
During an event organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), he said, "The CAB adviser gave the right proposal. But he omitted a major offender's name from the list…Due to such crimes, we are now forced to procure electricity at a high cost."
The adviser to the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources further said, "So far, we have not increased electricity prices. However, we are uncertain about how long we will be able to continue providing subsidies for it."
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A team led by retired justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury has been working to identify crimes in the energy sector.
"The team has also advised us to review certain energy contracts to help reduce costs," said Fouzul.
Speaking at the event, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Energy Adviser Professor Shamsul Alam earlier demanded the trial of four top former officials from the ousted Awami League government for their alleged involvement in energy-related crimes.
The officials in question are former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's energy adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, her former principal secretaries Abul Kalam Azad and Ahmad Kaikaus, and former power division secretary Monowar Islam.
"A mass signature campaign has been carried out nationwide to support this demand, and a memorandum will be presented to the chief adviser.
"A special tribunal needs to be formed for this purpose," Shamsul Alam said.
Mentioning that there is a provision for prosecuting such crimes under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, Shamsul Alam urged the interim government to take strict action against them.
