Photo: Bangladesh Chamber of Industries

DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) - Former adviser to the caretaker government and Executive Chairman of Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman today said Bangladesh’s energy challenges could be overcome through stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector alongside innovative and sustainable solutions.

“Our own energy security must be strengthened. Solar energy can be a solution. We need a monitoring cell on energy issues, which may be formed through public-private partnership,” he said while addressing a roundtable discussion titled “Future of Energy in Bangladesh: Security, Sustainability, and Investment Opportunities” in the capital.

The discussion was organised by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) in cooperation with Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and Greentech Foundation Bangladesh at the BCI boardroom in the capital, said a press release.

Dr. Hossain Zillur stressed the need for innovative ideas to address the country’s growing energy demand and supply gap. Referring to proposals for land-based Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU), he said Bangladesh also needs to encourage the use of energy-efficient equipment to reduce wastage and improve sustainability.

“We have a lack of coordination. I believe the energy crisis can be solved if businesspeople and the government work together,” he added.

BCI President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), who chaired the event, said industries in Bangladesh developed mainly due to comparatively cheap gas, energy and labour, but the situation has changed significantly since 2022.

He noted that the country is witnessing an annual decline of nearly 100 MMCF in gas production and the government is trying to bridge the deficit through LNG imports.

“Energy is the most important issue for industries and employment in the country. We all need to focus on this sector,” he said.

Parvez said the country is currently facing challenges relating to gas and electricity supply, but stakeholders must move forward with a positive mindset and jointly explore ways to overcome the crisis.

“The government is not outside of us; it is our own…. Just as we do not want industries to shut down or employment to decline, the government also does not want that,” he said.

He urged the private sector to place specific proposals before the government so that practical and long-term energy solutions could be adopted for ensuring future energy security.

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

Among others, 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 spoke at the event.

Representatives from different government and private organisations also attended the discussion.