CAB demands action to curb energy sector irregularities 

The government may need time to resolve the gas and electricity crisis, but there should be no delay in stopping theft, corruption and other irregularities in the energy sector, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President AHM Shafiquzzaman said on Thursday.

He made the remarks at a discussion organised by CAB at its auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, to protest the shortage of gas and electricity and the decision to cancel the list of essential medicines.

Shafiquzzaman called for an investigation into whether the country’s dependence on imported energy was being increased to benefit certain individuals or business groups. He also questioned whether the government was moving towards direct fuel purchases instead of following a transparent and competitive process.

Direct fuel purchases carry risks to transparency and accountability, he said, urging the government to make information about the crisis public and take visible action against irregularities.

The CAB president also criticised business groups for taking advantage of shortages to raise prices. He called for action against warehouses that stock goods beyond legal limits and create instability in the market.

He also questioned whether the interests of large pharmaceutical companies had been given priority in the decision to cancel the essential medicines list. Consumers should be involved in decisions on medicine lists and prices, he said.

Shafiquzzaman warned that a prolonged gas crisis could cause serious economic damage. Around 400 industrial units have already been affected, he said, adding that further disruption to export-oriented industries could put millions of jobs at risk.