Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said around 65 per cent of the country’s low-income and marginalised electricity consumers have been protected from the impact of the latest electricity price adjustment by the government.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat, Swapon said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups despite the challenges posed by the global energy crisis and domestic economic realities.
“Although the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) adjusted electricity prices under its regular review process, about 65 per cent of general and low-income consumers who would otherwise have been affected are being kept outside the scope of the additional burden,” he said.
According to the minister, BERC revised electricity prices based on established criteria as part of its routine regulatory functions. However, the government took measures to ensure that lower-income households remain largely unaffected by the increase.
“While the adjustment may place some pressure on affluent consumers, the majority of low-income users will continue to be protected from the price hike,” he added.
At the briefing, Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman presented a written statement outlining recent developments in the power and energy sectors. Deputy Principal Information Officer Mohammad Fakhrul Islam was also present.
Swapon said countries with energy systems heavily dependent on imports, including Bangladesh, are facing significant challenges amid ongoing global energy market volatility.
He argued that Bangladesh’s dependence on imported energy stems partly from policy shortcomings over the past two decades, saying greater development of domestic energy resources could have reduced reliance on foreign supplies.
“Today, as an energy-importing country, we have to align our pricing structure with international market realities and obligations,” he said.
The minister also criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging that widespread corruption and mismanagement in the power and energy sectors over the past 15 years had created long-term structural challenges.
“It will take time to free the sector from the cycle of corruption and restore it to a healthy and sustainable footing,” he said, adding that the current government’s intentions and policy direction are clear.
Swapon said the government has adopted a long-term strategy aimed at achieving greater energy self-sufficiency while keeping energy prices affordable. At the same time, it must address immediate challenges affecting the sector.
Despite recent tariff adjustments, the government is still required to provide approximately Tk41,000 crore in subsidies to the power sector, he noted.
“The burden created by years of irregularities and financial mismanagement continues to affect the country’s economy,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining regular communication between the government, media and the public.
“The government wants to keep people informed, and citizens have the right to know. A responsible media serves as a bridge between the two,” he said, adding that the government intends to hold regular briefings and consultations on important national issues.
He further said the government remains committed to ensuring accountability by keeping the public informed about its activities and decisions through the media.
