Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the interim government destroyed the long-standing corruption structure of power and energy sectors. 

"We have undertaken legal and institutional reform activities in the sector, leaving a transparent and sustainable roadmap for the future elected government," he said.

Addressing a press conference on the activities and achievements of power, energy and mineral resources ministry during the interim government tenure at Bidyut Bhaban, the adviser said the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010 has been repealed. 

He said Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has given power to fix electricity and energy prices, as a result, electricity prices didn't increased in the last 16-17 months.

The ministry formed two committees to investigate corruption and allegations, while a national-level committee was formed to identify systemic corruption and another committee comprising judges and independent experts to conduct investigation activities, he added. 

Khan said that the long-standing conflict of interest between power and energy sector was stopped as secretaries of the same ministry also served as chairman of subordinate companies, which was canceled. Now no secretary will be chairman of the company under the department, he added.

The adviser said that the ministry formulated several sector-wise policy, of them Renewable Energy Policy-2025 and Merchant Power Policy-2025 were majors. 

"To resolve the existing instability between Rural Electricity Board and the Rural Electricity Association, a new rule was formulated to bring a balance of power, which is being under process for enactment," he said.

Besides, a committee led by a BUET expert conducted a project-based analysis to verify allegations of high electricity tariffs, he added.

Regarding energy sector, the adviser said that a huge amount of foreign arrears were paid. As a result, it has been possible to reduce additional premium oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

He said the refinery ownership condition was lifted on oil imports from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), which increased competition and decreased premium by 35 percent and saved Tk. 1,500 crore in the last six months.

He also said that Eastern Refinery Limited is being modernized at a cost of Tk. 31,057 crore, adding, "If the project is implemented, the refinery will be upgraded to Euro-5/6 standard, which will reduce environmental pollution."

About exploration activities, the adviser said that onshore and offshore exploration is a time-consuming task. A revised agreement has been prepared for offshore gas exploration for new government's decision.

Replying to a question about coal mining, he said that the government avoided taking a new coal mining project, as many movements were staged in the last one and a half year.

However, the necessary feasibility study was prepared for the future government, he said.

About Rooppur nuclear power plant, he said that it is expected to produce 300-MW electricity in March this year, which will gradually increase. 

Chairman of Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) Shamim Jahangir presided over the programme, while energy secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, power secretary Farzana Momtaz and others were present.