Energy sector held hostage by syndicates, CAB warns

Market syndicates, arbitrary pricing and weak oversight are hurting Bangladesh's energy consumers, speakers at a citizens' dialogue in Chattogram warned on Wednesday (November 11), calling for greater transparency and public participation in energy decisions.

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), which organised the dialogue titled "Just Energy Transition and Energy Justice", said government policies would achieve little without effective enforcement and accountability.

Speakers demanded fair energy prices, stronger action against market manipulation and faster expansion of renewable energy to reduce pressure on consumers.

"Energy is not a tool for protecting the interests of particular groups," speakers said, arguing that pricing and supply decisions directly affect household finances, economic security and national development.

Shubho Kibria, research coordinator at CAB's central office, blamed market syndicates and irregularities for worsening the energy crisis and increasing costs for ordinary consumers.

He said CAB's campaign against dishonest business practices was not directed against any government but aimed at protecting consumer rights.

He called for action against unjustified price increases and market manipulation.

CAB central vice-president SM Nazer Hossain said renewable energy was essential to meeting the country's future energy needs.

"There is no alternative to renewable energy to meet future energy demand," he said.

While welcoming government initiatives to expand renewable energy, Nazer questioned whether the measures would deliver results without effective implementation.

Deputy Attorney General Arif Khan said citizens had legal and constitutional rights concerning the management of national resources.

Referring to Articles 13, 14, 16, 19 and 143 of the Constitution, he stressed the importance of public hearings and citizen participation in decisions affecting the energy sector.

Dr Khaled Mizbahuzzaman of the University of Chittagong said CAB could play an important role in securing fair treatment for consumers but warned that policies must be properly enforced.

Dr M Sirajul Islam of Southern University called for greater public awareness and a fair government pricing mechanism.

Nazifa Taznur of the University of Dhaka's economics department discussed energy pricing and equity, while CAB's 12-point demands were also raised.

The dialogue was chaired by CAB central vice-president SM Nazer Hossain and moderated by Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chaberi and Raisul Islam.

Representatives of civil society, academia, women's organisations and CAB committees across Chattogram division attended.

In her closing remarks, CAB Chattogram metropolitan president Jesmin Sultana Paru called for a transparent, accountable and sustainable energy system built around consumer rights.

Speakers urged the government to involve citizens in energy policymaking, curb market syndicates and ensure that the transition to renewable energy does not impose additional financial burdens on ordinary people.

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