JS passes BERC (Amendment) Bill 2023

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been passed in the parliament paving the way for the government to adjust the prices of gas and electricity without a public hearing.

State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today moved the Bill in the House which was unanimously passed by voice votes with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair on Sunday (January 29).

However, terming the act as a black law, Gano Forum lawmaker of Sylhet-2 constituency Mokabbir Khan said the government has undoubtedly increased the distribution of electricity, but corruption also is taking place in the sector. He urged the government to remove the bill as the act will further raise the unit price of the power.

The BERC is an autonomous body established based on the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act 2003, aiming at improving power and energy infrastructure in Bangladesh. The law has previously been amended three times.

With the amendment of the 2003 act, the ministry will not be required to hold a hearing to decide new prices for gas and electricity.