Bangladesh urged to strengthen PPP model for energy security

Bangladesh’s ongoing energy challenges can be addressed through stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector, alongside the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Former caretaker government adviser and Executive Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman made the remarks while speaking at a roundtable titled “Future of Energy in Bangladesh: Security, Sustainability, and Investment Opportunities” held in the capital on Saturday.

He said strengthening domestic energy security must be treated as a national priority, noting that renewable energy sources such as solar power could play a key role in meeting future demand. He also suggested establishing a dedicated monitoring mechanism for the energy sector under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

According to him, lack of coordination among stakeholders remains a major challenge, and better alignment between government agencies and the private sector is essential to addressing the energy crisis.

He further stressed the need to promote energy-efficient technologies and reduce wastage, calling these measures vital for long-term sustainability.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and Greentech Foundation Bangladesh.

BCI President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, who chaired the session, said Bangladesh’s industrial growth was historically supported by low-cost gas and energy, but the situation has changed significantly in recent years. He noted a steady decline in domestic gas production and growing dependence on LNG imports.

He stressed that energy remains central to industrial growth and employment generation, urging stakeholders to adopt a more coordinated and constructive approach to overcome existing constraints.

Speakers at the event also called on the private sector to submit concrete proposals to the government for long-term energy planning and infrastructure development.

The keynote paper at the discussion was presented by lead analyst of the Institute for Energy Economics Shafiqul Alam.

Member (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, former senior secretary and adviser to Greentech Foundation Bangladesh Siddique Zobayer, President of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association David Hasanat, President of Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association Moinul Islam Swapan, Senior Vice-President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Enamul Haque Khan and President of BSREA Mostafa Al Mahmud, among others, spoke at the event.

Energy experts and representatives from various government and private organisations also attended the discussion.