businessnews24bd.com, Chattogram 

Speakers at a civic dialogue in Chattogram on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for transparency, accountability, fair pricing, and public participation in the energy sector to ensure a just energy transition and safeguard consumer rights.

Organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), the seminar titled "Just Energy Transition and Energy Justice" was held at a local venue in Chattogram. Discussions centered on mitigating energy crises, rationalizing pricing structures, expanding renewable energy, breaking syndicates, and eliminating irregularities in the energy market.

CAB Central Vice-President S. M. Nazer Hossain presided over the event, which was jointly conducted by CAB Chattogram Divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chaberi and Chattogram CAB Youth Group Coordinator Raisul Islam.

Special guests included Prof  Dr. Khaled Misbahuzzaman of the Forestry and Environmental Sciences Department at Chattogram University; Prof Dr. M. Sirajul Islam, Associate Professor and Head of the Business Administration Department at Southern University; Supreme Court Deputy Attorney General Adv Arif Khan; CAB Central Publicity Secretary Anwar Hossain; and CAB Central Research Coordinator Shubo Kibria.

Other notable speakers included veteran journalist M. Nasirul Haq, columnist Musa Khan, CAB Chattogram Mahanagar General Secretary Ajay Mitra Shankoo, women leaders Nasima Alam and Jannatul Ferdous, and CAB leaders Salim Jahangir and Md. Jane Alam, alongside representatives from local development committees, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. CAB Chattogram Mahanagar President Jesmin Sultana Paru delivered the concluding vote of thanks.

Addressing the gathering, S. M. Nazer Hossain noted CAB's longstanding advocacy for renewable energy promotion and robust governance in the energy sector. He welcomed government initiatives to counter energy deficits through renewable expansion and stressed the importance of field-level implementation.

Professor Dr. Khaled Misbahuzzaman praised CAB's role in advocating for public rights and stressed that policy frameworks must be strictly enforced to deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Professor Dr. M. Sirajul Islam highlighted the necessity of raising public awareness on energy issues and ensuring equitable pricing by regulatory authorities.

Deputy Attorney General Advocate Arif Khan elaborated on constitutional provisions, citing Articles 13, 14, 16, 19, and 143 of the Constitution of Bangladesh. He underscored public ownership of resources, citizens' rights in the energy sector, and the vital role of public hearings in transparent decision-making.

CAB Research Coordinator Shubo Kibria analyzed the root causes of energy volatility, pointing to market syndicates and corrupt practices that exacerbate consumer suffering. He clarified that CAB’s resistance against unfair commercial practices is aimed at protecting public interest rather than opposing any administration.

During the session, CAB Energy Project Manager Marufa Koli presented a summary of key recommendations and discussions, while Dhaka University Economics Department representative Nazifa Taznur deliberated on fair pricing models and CAB’s 12-point demand charter.

Concluding the dialogue, CAB Chattogram Mahanagar President Jesmin Sultana Paru called for active civic engagement and concerted multi-stakeholder efforts to establish an accountable, sustainable, and people-friendly energy framework.