CA Calls for Establishing Independent Institution for Power and Energy Research
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today instructed the authorities concerned to set up an independent institution for conducting research on power and energy sectors, saying that it must not operate under a ministry. “There must be a separate institution for research and development. It will not operate under a ministry. It will be a separate and strong entity, which will maintain communication with all relevant global institutions and support the government in policy formulation,” he said.
The Chief Adviser gave the instruction while presiding over a meeting on the Power and Energy Sector Master Plan 2026–2050 at the State Guest House Jamuna here this afternoon, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. At the outset of the meeting, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources presented the Master Plan to the Chief Adviser. The master plan aims to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable primary energy and electricity for the people of Bangladesh through optimal use of domestic resources, enhanced energy security, improved efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Prof Yunus thanked all concerned for their detailed presentations, saying, “This sector is the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy. If it becomes strong, the economy will stand firm. It affects the lives of every citizen.” Noting that everything, what was done in the sector in the previous time, was fragmented, he said, “We must think everything from the beginning. Just because something has been done a certain way does not mean it must continue”.
Many projects were implemented in the wrong locations and with flawed structures, the Chief Adviser said, adding, “This must not be repeated. We have to ensure that everything will remain within a framework and rules. That's why research centers are essential”. Prof Yunus also instructed officials to conduct research on alternative energy sources. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb and senior officials of the ministries concerned attended the meeting.
