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PRESS RELEASE

New book on Bangladesh energy and mineral law launched

Book Launching Ceremony of the Compilation of Electricity, Energy, and Mineral Laws of Bangladesh (“বাংলাদেশের বিদ্যুৎ, জ্বালানি ও খনিজ সম্পদ বিষয়ক আইনের সংকলন”) & Seminar on 'Energy Sector Plan & Legal Framework: Case of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan'

2025-02-01



[Dhaka, 1st February 2025]: A momentous event celebrating the book launch of the Compilation of Electricity, Energy, and Mineral Laws of Bangladesh and a seminar on Energy Sector Plan & Legal Framework: Case of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan took place, bringing together eminent legal minds, academics, and energy sector experts. The Lawyers for Energy, Environment, and Development (LEED), in association with the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), organized this event.


Dr. Kamal Hossain, Senior Counsel, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest, highlighting the significance of a well-structured legal framework in ensuring sustainable energy governance. He emphasized the necessity of legal clarity in addressing contemporary energy sector challenges and fostering equitable energy access across Bangladesh.

Mr. Hasan Mehedi, Chief Executive of the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), delivered the keynote speech, offering insights into the intricacies of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan. His address underscored the urgent need for policy coherence, stakeholder engagement, and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh’s energy sector development.

Hasan Mehedi questioned- “how could the country aim to generate 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources when it has not repealed past policies focusing on the expansion of fossil fuel-powered energy sources?”
Hasan continued and said, "We have made many contrasting policies in the past. Previous energy policies predicted that we would need 40,000 MW by this year, but currently, we only need 16,000 MW."

The event commenced with opening remarks by Abdullah Al Noman, Chief Executive, LEED, and Md. Shimonuzzaman, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, who welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the importance of legal and policy frameworks in energy sector governance.


The event also featured esteemed panellists, including:

  • C R Abrar, Ph.D., Executive Director, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU), who shared perspectives on energy governance and its intersection with migration and displacement.

  • Mr. Gouranga Nandy, Journalist and Activist, who discussed the role of media in advocating for transparency in the energy sector.

  • Professor Md. Rabiul Islam, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Law and Chair of the Department of Law and Justice at Jahangirnagar University, who highlighted legal reforms essential for aligning Bangladesh’s energy policies with global best practices.

  • Dr. Quazi Zahed Iqbal, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, who provided a legal analysis on energy disputes and regulatory challenges.

  • Rayyan Hassan, Executive Director, NGO Forum on ADB, who examined the role of international financial institutions in shaping Bangladesh’s energy landscape.


"We should be exporting electricity, not having an energy sector dependent on imports," Mehedi added, pointing out that multiple studies have shown Bangladesh can generate up to 30,000 MW of electricity from wind.

The discussions underscored the urgency of adopting an integrated, legally sound, and environmentally conscious approach to energy planning. Experts emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, legal practitioners, and environmental advocates to ensure an equitable and sustainable energy transition.


The book Compilation of Electricity, Energy, and Mineral Laws of Bangladesh is a comprehensive resource aimed at strengthening legal understanding and governance in the energy sector.


The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Monera Haque Mone, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Chairman, LEED, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers, panelists, and participants for their valuable contributions to the discourse on energy laws and policy.


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