Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has alleged that projects undertaken during the past 15 and a half years under the Awami League (AL) government prioritised oligarchic and private interests rather than public welfare, leaving the energy sector and the economy in crisis.
Speaking at a citizen dialogue titled "National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030" on Monday, he said the current democratic government was now burdened with resolving the challenges inherited from its predecessor.
The event was organised by Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in the city.
The minister accused the former administration of widespread irregularities and corruption in the power and energy sector.
Nearly 80 per cent of electricity was currently generated by the private sector at high costs, and the previous government left Tk 560 billion in arrears, he said.
Iqbal said the current administration was compelled to pay subsidies every month to clear old and new liabilities, and delays in payments risked disrupting power generation.
These realities forced the government to adjust electricity tariffs, he said and hoped renewable energy would reduce import expenses.
He said the government was giving top priority to solar power generation to reduce dependence on imports.
Iqbal assured that electricity would not be purchased or produced at inflated costs that would burden consumers, advocating for rooftop solar for the private sector.
The unplanned power transmission lines installed during the 100 per cent electrification drive in the previous Awami League regime often failed under heavy loads, causing outages in rural areas, he further said.
The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board had been instructed to take necessary steps to resolve the issue, said the minister.
He disclosed a government plan to maintain a three-month fuel reserve, with all options under consideration.
Azizjst@yahoo.com