Bangladesh's Energy Situation 'Grim', Needs Balanced Policy: BERC Chairman

BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed has painted a grim picture of Bangladesh's energy situation, emphasizing the need for a balanced policy to ensure long-term energy security and sustainability. Speaking at the Shadow Parliament Debate Competition 2026, he stated that the country needs a coordinated short-, medium- and long-term strategy, including investment in domestic exploration, LNG infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Apart from updating the country's energy policy, which was last formulated in 1996, Jalal also stressed the need for greater emphasis on domestic gas resources. He pointed out that Bangladesh has not conducted adequate reserve studies or undertaken sufficient exploration of its domestic gas resources for years, while greater emphasis has been placed on imports.

Jalal noted that renewable energy can play an important role in reducing dependence on expensive fossil fuels, particularly furnace oil and diesel. However, he cautioned that Bangladesh's renewable potential has to be assessed realistically, citing limitations in wind and hydropower. He emphasized the need for balance between renewable generation and baseload power with storage.