Written by The Banking Post
The CAB Youth Council on Tuesday presented a 13-point charter demanding reforms in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector, focusing on governance, transparency, and sustainability.
The proposals, unveiled at a roundtable titled “Energy Sector Reforms and CAB’s 13-Point Demands” at Dhaka’s CIRDAP Auditorium, urge the government to treat electricity and primary energy as essential public services rather than commercial commodities, adopting a cost-based pricing model instead of profit-driven rates.
Key recommendations include a 5 per cent annual reduction in fossil fuel imports and a 15 per cent increase in solar power generation over the next five years. The council also called for the immediate repeal of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act 2010 and the cancellation of contracts signed under its indemnity.
Other demands focus on halting coal-based power expansion, recovering financial losses from corruption in the sector, and avoiding the International Energy Charter Treaty 1991 to safeguard national interests.
The event brought together energy experts, politicians, and civil society members, including General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party Saiful Huq, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, economist Anu Muhammad, BAPA Joint Secretary Aminur Rasul, Deputy Attorney General Advocate Arif Khan, labour activist Taslima Akhter, and CAB Organising Secretary Professor Syed Mizanur Rahman.
The council stressed that these reforms are critical to ensure sustainable energy development, financial accountability, and greater public trust in the sector.
