Bangladesh plans long-term energy strategy as PM calls for diversified supplies

Bangladesh’s government will place a 10-year energy and power plan before parliament aimed at securing reliable electricity and gas supplies, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Sunday.

Rahman announced the plan during a program for flood victims in Chattogram, saying the country needed to restructure an energy system he described as unplanned.

“We must diversify our energy sources. Economic viability, environmental impact and the long-term interests of the people must be given the highest priority,” he said.

Earlier, Rahman inspected the 1,200-megawatt Matarbari Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant and other development projects in Cox’s Bazar.

He also called for greater transparency, accountability and regular maintenance of energy infrastructure.

Rahman said peace and stability were essential to attracting domestic and foreign investment, establishing industries and creating jobs.