Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Monday, August 31, called on the government to clearly present its specific plan for addressing Bangladesh’s energy and electricity crisis. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled “Energy and Life Security” at the National Press Club in Dhaka, he said the government’s actions in the sector appeared to show populism rather than a defined roadmap.

Manna said irregularities and mismanagement in the power and energy sectors over the past 15 years had affected public safety. He questioned why the government was saying that meaningful action could not be completed within two years, warning that a prolonged power crisis could threaten the economy, garment sector and other industries. He also cited claims that solar generation by Dhaka garment owners could produce 1,700 megawatts.

Referring to United Nations information, Manna said solar panels in major cities could potentially generate about 6,000 megawatts, while the current shortfall was 3,500 megawatts. He urged rapid alternative measures and called for an investigation into allegations that none of six expected LNG cargoes arrived. He said the government should explain the causes of the shortage and its timetable for improvement.