Awami League enacted the indemnity law to facilitate plunder in the power sector: Rizvi

Bangla Press Desk: Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Acting Secretary General of the BNP and an advisor to the Prime Minister, has remarked that the Awami League government enacted the 'Indemnity Act' (immunity law) specifically to create opportunities for plunder within the power sector. He stated, "Ensuring transparency and accountability is essential to prevent the recurrence of the irregularities and looting that have plagued the power sector in the past."

He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a public dialogue organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and the CAB Youth Parliament, held on Wednesday (October 28) at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Rizvi noted that, given the current emphasis on accountability, there is no scope for such plunder under the present government. He added, "In the implementation of any project, the public interest must be prioritized, and those involved must be held accountable."

He further claimed that despite official claims of 100% electrification in the country, many people living in remote areas and riverine islands (chars) remain deprived of electricity.

He explained, "Many impoverished families share their electricity connections; therefore, it is difficult to gauge the true economic condition of the ultra-poor based solely on their electricity consumption levels."

Highlighting the potential for rooftop solar power, Rizvi mentioned that foreign investors have also shown interest in this sector.

Expressing optimism that the country will progress and the power and energy crisis will be resolved, Rizvi said, "The world is currently facing an energy crisis."

"Bangladesh is also feeling the impact. However, there are opportunities to address this crisis—for instance, by sourcing energy from alternative channels. There is no reason to despair."

Bp/Sp