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15 Years of Plunder Behind Energy Import Reliance: Swapon
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that an import-dependent energy policy was pursued in the country despite sufficient indigenous energy resources, attributing it to a "plunder-driven economy" over the past one and a half decades.
"The 'flawed and plundering policies' of that period had pushed the country into a severe energy crisis," he said while addressing the 40th anniversary celebration of the national daily 'Daily Inqilab' held at Lakeshore La Vita Banquet Hall in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Information and Broadcasting State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdur Salam also attended the programme, chaired by Daily Inqilab Editor A M M Bahauddin.
Highlighting ways to address the current energy situation and international partnerships, Swapon said the country's economic and industrial activities could be revitalised through the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is awaiting operational launch.
He noted that the project is being financed through a Russian loan, adding that Russia remains an important international partner for Bangladesh in terms of energy security.
The minister said Bangladesh must maintain balance among multiple international partners due to geopolitical and strategic realities, citing dependence on the United States and Europe for ready-made garment exports, the Middle East for remittances, and India and China as major import sources, while Japan remains a key development partner.
"In a country whose economy depends on multiple partners, political thinking must also respect diverse perspectives," he said.
Referring to emerging global technological shifts, the minister said artificial intelligence has become a central topic in global diplomatic and policy discussions, noting that AI is now present in almost every bilateral and multilateral meeting.
Swapon expressed hope that 'Daily Inqilab' would further deepen its understanding of these evolving international dynamics in the future.
The minister also said that the people had delivered a clear mandate through the February 12 election, the most free, fair and widely accepted in the country's history, leading to Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister.
He expressed hope that Daily Inqilab would continue to play a responsible role in the country's new journey towards strengthening independence, democracy, equality and prosperity.
Former Religious Affairs Minister Nazim Uddin Al Azad, former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, and former State Minister Lutfozzaman Babar, among others, were also present on the occasion, reports BSS.
Diplomats from various countries, leaders of different political parties, and members of civil society also attended the programme.