Bangladesh’s private sector is under significant strain due to geopolitical challenges and energy constraints, said Taskin Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

He spoke at a focus group discussion titled ‘Increasing Energy Efficiency in Bangladesh’s Industrial Sector’, jointly organised by DCCI and the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM) at the DCCI Auditorium in Motijheel.

Taskin highlighted that an erratic energy supply is hampering industrial production and reducing competitiveness. He urged for regular energy audits in industries, sector-specific research, and comprehensive industry mapping to promote sustainable energy practices.

The event’s chief guest, Mohammad Wahid Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), emphasised reducing barriers to accessing government energy-related information and services.

Noting the private sector’s growing financial capacity, he called for increased investment in research to boost technological development and awareness.

Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, pointed out the absence of a clear national policy on energy efficiency.

He stressed the need for better monitoring of existing energy master plans and addressing inconsistencies in energy definitions to enhance technological advancements.

Asif Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of New Age Group, noted that while large industries have better energy access, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant challenges due to energy shortages.

He advocated for reduced customs duties on renewable energy equipment imports to support the sector.

Md Rafiqul Alam, Additional Secretary (Operations) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department, highlighted that the government is subsidising LNG and that raising public awareness could save 5-15 per cent of energy. He emphasised expanding the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.

Md Zahidul Islam, Joint Secretary of the Power Department, noted that the industrial sector currently consumes 27 per cent of the country’s energy, a figure projected to rise to 40 per cent by 2050.

He underscored the urgency of adopting energy-efficient practices.

Petrobangla’s General Manager, Md Imam Uddin Sheikh, reported a daily gas demand of 3,800 million cubic feet against a supply of 2,900 million cubic feet.

He proposed establishing factories in designated industrial zones to address the shortfall.

Meanwhile, Bapex’s General Manager, Engineer Mohammad Ahsanul Amin, announced plans to drill 100 wells by 2030 to bolster energy supply.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan highlighted the severe impact of 6-8 hours of daily power cut in Gazipur’s industrial area, costing businesses an additional Tk 4-5 lakh daily.

He noted that increasing renewable energy use by 10 per cent could save 220 MW of electricity.

A SANEM research presentation outlined the current state of energy efficiency in the industrial sector, highlighting issues such as outdated technology, lack of standardised measurements, and disruptions caused by irregular energy supply.

The discussion saw participation from leaders of the Fuel Regulatory Commission, Sreda, PDB, Petrobangla, DESCO, EDCOL, BCMA, BPGMEA, BKMEA, BGMEA, pharmaceutical, and steel sectors, as well as the CEO of Energypack.

They raised concerns about the fuel crisis, high costs, tariff barriers, reliance on LNG, and the need for greater investment in renewable energy.

DCCI Senior Vice President Salim Solaiman and board members were also present at the event.