Energy adviser seeks IFC support for gas crisis solution, renewables

Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir has sought financial and technical assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to address the country's gas shortage, promote renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

During a meeting with an IFC delegation in Dhaka today (2 September), the adviser also called for IFC's support in developing the tourism industry near the Padma Bridge.

A seven-member delegation led by IFC's Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal Country Manager Martin Holtman paid a courtesy call on the energy adviser at his office in the Secretariat this morning.

Highlighting the student sacrifices that brought the interim government to power, the adviser vowed to fight against all forms of corruption and discrimination to uphold public trust.

He noted that the interim government is taking steps to make services more accessible to the people.

Mentioning that there will be no compromise in maintaining quality of the works [in any project], Fouzul said tenders would be accessible to all stakeholders with a focus on prioritising both quality and cost-efficiency.

At the meeting, the IFC country manager paid tribute to the student movement martyrs and expressed IFC's unwavering support for building a prosperous Bangladesh. 

He also urged the interim government to develop a long-term energy investment plan and assured the adviser of the IFC's readiness to provide financial and technical assistance. 

The country manager also suggested prioritising other sectors like railways, roads, and bridges for potential IFC involvement.

Victoria Hilda Rigby Delmon (manager, upstream and advisory, Asia Pacific), Edore Elaine Onomakpome (manager, infrastructure-Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka), Michael Sheng (principal investment officer, Asia Infrastructure) of International Finance Corporation (IFC) attended the meeting. Senior officials of the ministry were present.