Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission

Energy Regulatory Bodies of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission

বাংলাদেশ এনার্জি রেগুলেটরী কমিশন

Logo of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission

Abbreviation| BERC
Formation| 2003
Type| Independent statutory state Quasi-judicial body
Headquarters| Dhaka, Bangladesh

Region served

| Bangladesh

Chairman

| Jalal Ahmed
Website| www.berc.org.bd

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)[1] is an autonomous independent statutory state Quasi-judicial body established in 2003 to regulate the energy sector in Bangladesh, including electricity, gas, and petroleum. BERC is tasked with setting tariffs, issuing licenses, and resolving disputes within the industry to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and maintain fair pricing. It is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.[2]

## History

[edit]

The commission was created in 2003 and is responsible for the setting of gas, petroleum oil and electricity prices in Bangladesh. As the regulator, it also arbitrates disputes in the energy industry.[2] Its approval is needed for any changes in the price of electricity, gas and petroleum oil.[3] The Energy Security Fund is under this agency.[4]

However, over the years government interventions have significantly reduced BERC's authority, especially regarding energy pricing. Amendments to the BERC Act allowed the government to bypass the commission's procedures and directly set energy prices. This shift had raised concerns about the transparency and independence of the regulatory process, as BERC's ability to conduct public hearings and ensure fair practices had been curtailed.[5][6]

In August 2024, the government issued a gazette officially revoking its executive authority to raise power and gas prices without a public hearing by BERC. The reversal of this authority is seen as a move to strengthen regulatory oversight and restore the commission's role in protecting consumer interests by involving the public in the decision-making process.[7]

## Commission

[edit]

Sl  | Designation  | Name

|
|

1\.  | Chairman  | Jalal Ahmed[8]
2\.  | Member- Electricity  | Vacant
3\.  | Member- Gas  | Md Mizanur Rahman
4\.  | Member- Admin  | Md Abdur Razzak
5\.  | Member- Petroleum  | Syeda Sultana Razia

* Bangladesh portal
* Energy portal

## Controversy

[edit]

On 26 November 2024, Md Gias Uddin Joarder was appointed member- electricity by an office order from an adviser of Interim government Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. There were allegations of corruption against him in Anti Corruption Commission. Anti Corruption Commission is doing enquiry of the corruption case of Md Gias Uddin Joarder, later he has resigned against the backdrop of Al Jazeera Investigates reports on his alleged involvement in corruption. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
2. ^ a b Riaz, Ali; Rahman, Mohammad Sajjadur (29 January 2016). Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Bangladesh. Routledge. p. 251\. ISBN 9781317308775.
3. ^ "Gas, power prices to soar". Dhaka Tribune. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
4. ^ "Bapex to dig 29 onshore gas wells in two years". Dhaka Tribune. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
5. ^ Rahman, Asifur (19 January 2023). "Fixing Energy Prices: Govt curtails BERC's power as regulator". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
6. ^ "BERC amendment bill passed". The Daily Star. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
7. ^ "Govt's executive authority to raise power and gas prices cancelled through ordinance". UNB. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
8. ^ "Jalal Ahmed appointed new BERC chairman". The Daily Star. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
9. ^ https://dailysobujbangladesh.com/ডিপিডিসি-জোয়ার্দার-এখন/
10. ^ "বিপুল কালো টাকার মালিক ডিপিডিসি'র নির্বাহী পরিচালক জোয়ার্দার".
11. ^ "ডিপিডিসি লুটেপুটে গিয়াস উদ্দিন জোয়ার্দারের সম্পদের পাহাড়! | Your Website Name". 2 December 2022.
12. ^ "Newly appointed BERC member Gias Uddin resigns". The Daily Star. 30 November 2024.
13. ^ "Newly appointed BERC member Gias Uddin quits".
14. ^ "Newly appointed BERC member Gias Uddin resigns".

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