Govt committed to stable electricity prices, says Farida Akhter
Farida added that discussions are already underway with the finance ministry and other relevant ministries on the issue and once the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) gives its approval, the process will move forward smoothly.
Fisheries and Livestock Affairs Adviser Farida Akhter has said the government is committed to keeping electricity prices stable for citizens, even if it requires providing subsidies.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the "CAB Youth Parliament 2025" organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at Dhaka University today (1 November), the adviser said the government spends around Tk400 crore annually in subsidies to maintain reasonable electricity prices.
"Sometimes we don't even realise how easily Tk400 crore gets spent. But when it comes to public welfare, the amount of money shouldn't be the main concern," she said.
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Farida added that discussions are already underway with the finance ministry and other relevant ministries on the issue and once the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) gives its approval, the process will move forward smoothly.
Highlighting inequality in the power sector, she pointed out that despite having a 220-megawatt hydropower plant in Rangamati, local residents hardly benefit from it.
"During summer, Rangamati needs about 40 MW of power and 30 MW in winter, but even that is not ensured. The area faces 5–6 power cuts a day. In Dhaka, lower-income areas face frequent load-shedding, while affluent neighbourhoods remain unaffected. This is a clear example of injustice in the power sector," she added.
Criticising corporate dominance, Farida said, "The power sector has turned into a space of limitless corporate oligarchy."
On the topic of renewable energy and carbon emissions, she said the global commitment to achieving 'net zero carbon emission' made at COP summits is a form of deception by wealthy nations.
"The word 'net' before zero is a clever trick. Countries like Bangladesh contribute negligibly to global emissions, yet the big nations have no real intention to reduce their own," she said.
CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman, also speaking at the event, termed the power sector's indemnity law a 'dark law', saying it has legitimised widespread corruption.
"If political parties promising to repeal this law fail to do so after coming to power, CAB will hold them accountable," he warned.
He also stressed the need for ensuring that special government loans and facilities reach genuine fishermen and farmers to stabilise the market.
