Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has urged industrialists to set up factories in designated economic zones to get uninterrupted power and energy supply.

“Taking into account the importance of the smooth graduation-led transition of Bangladesh amidst the volatile geo-economic climate, we need to prioritize energy security strategy as energy is imperative to sustain the growth momentum, “said DCCI President Barrister Md Sameer Sattar on Saturday, according to a press release.

He was speaking at the Stakeholders’ Dialogue titled ‘Energy Strategy: Towards a Predictable Future,’ organized by DCCI at its auditorium.

State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid was present as chief guest while MD. Shafiul Islam, MP, ex-FBCCI, was present as a special guest. 

Sameer suggested investment in primary energy sourcing to enhance the gas supply for a stable energy supply. He also said fuel and production efficiency in state-owned power plants need to be ensured, the release said.

He urged for a predictable pricing policy so that the private sector can make necessary business planning ahead. Later he suggested a revision of the Power Sector Master Plan (PSMP) based on the future demand and energy supply sourcing mapping.

The government is planning to ensure uninterrupted gas for all industries as the country is going ahead to be a trillion-dollar economy by the year 2040, said Nasrul.

Due to unplanned industrialization, it becomes difficult for the government to provide gas to all industries, he said.  

He requested that the industry owners shift their industries to the economic zones to avail of the quality of uninterrupted gas supply. Regarding the pricing of power and energy, he informed that gas prices would be adjusted depending on international market prices since the government is planning to reduce its subsidy, especially in this sector.

A Pricing Policy is being prepared, he also informed.

Shafiul suggested that businessmen be resilient. The private sector is one of the integral parts of this sector’s stakeholders, which is why the policy has to be coordinated and consistent, he said.

“We need employment and for employment generation we need industrialization and for industrialization we need uninterrupted power and energy supply. One is dependent on others,” he said.

Regarding inflation, he said the whole world is suffering from inflation, and “we are not an exception.” He later urged good governance and efficient use of energy for sustainability. He later requested the government to disconnect all unlawful connections immediately.
Faisal Karim Khan, director of Summit Power, Chairman and CEO of PRAN RFL Group Ahsan Khan, spoke at the dialogue, among others.