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DHAKA, Oct 20, 2024 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today said the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) will determine the price of gas and electricity through public hearings.
 
"The government will not take decision about gas and electricity price," he told this at a seminar at a hotel here as the chief guest.
 
Fouzul Kabir Khan said the gas and electricity price will be fixed through mass hearings, not by the government.
 
He said the government has a plan to excavate 50 exploration wells by 2025, adding, "Henceforth all purchases in the energy sector will be through open tender method rather than through any negotiation."
 
Stating that the political parties want to know how long the interim government will remain, he said that the current government will not get much time to reform the energy and power sector.
 
Mentioning the realization of demands like the paddy cutting season, Khan said the government accepted all logical demands of the Palli Biduyt Samity.
 
"The government will take decision considering demands of temporary workers for permanent jobs. It is not possible to announce rapidly. It has related to financial issues. Not only in Palli Bidhuyt Samity, but also outsourcing workers were in other organizations," he added.
 
Replying to a question about government position, Khan said electricity supply is the responsibility to the government as per the constitution.
 
"The government will do it at any cost. Those who were responsible for the law and order situation, we will take necessary action against them," he added.
 
The adviser said, "We tell them you can demand peace. We will look into the matter but none was right to shutdown electricity. In the name of demands, we will not accept anarchy."
 
"We have been instructed to ensure security of those substations and power related structures," he added.
 
Regarding open tender method, he said the government will go for open tender from this month or early next month.