Seminar on Energy Security in Bangladesh

Seminar on “Energy Security in Bangladesh: From Crisis Management to Resilient Energy Transition” Held at BIISS, Dhaka, 07 September 2026

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a seminar titled “Energy Security in Bangladesh: From Crisis Management to Resilient Energy Transition” on Monday, 07 September 2026, at the BIISS Auditorium, Dhaka.

H.E. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Honourable Advisor to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning, Government of Bangladesh, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General, BIISS, who also chaired the session.

The seminar featured presentations by Dr Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director, BIISS; Mr Manjur Alam Prodhan, Additional Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD); and Professor Dr Ejaz Hossain, Chairman, ESTex Foundation. The presentations and subsequent discussions examined Bangladesh’s energy security from strategic, economic and technological perspectives, focusing on energy supply and affordability, import dependence, domestic energy resources, infrastructure resilience, renewable energy, energy efficiency and the broader economic implications of energy insecurity.

In his welcome address, the Director General, BIISS, emphasised that energy security is integral to economic security, industrial competitiveness, foreign policy and national resilience. He noted that Bangladesh’s energy challenge is not limited to generation capacity but also involves ensuring affordable, reliable and sustainable primary energy. He stressed the need to move from crisis management to resilience, from import dependence to diversification, and from short-term responses to strategic planning.

He also highlighted the importance of domestic energy exploration, strategic reserves, renewable energy, grid and energy storage development, regional cooperation and institutional accountability in strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.

In his remarks, the Chief Guest, H.E. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, underscored that energy security is closely linked with economic security and national development. He stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources and supply routes, strengthening domestic energy capabilities, improving infrastructure and contingency arrangements, and promoting energy efficiency.

He further emphasised the need for a pragmatic and sustainable energy transition that balances energy security, affordability, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. He also called for stronger coordination among government institutions and greater engagement with the private sector, academia and development partners.

An open discussion followed, with participants exchanging views on Bangladesh’s present and future energy challenges and possible policy responses. The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a diversified, resilient and sustainable energy system capable of responding effectively to geopolitical, market and infrastructure-related disruptions.

In his concluding remarks, the Director General, BIISS, expressed hope that the seminar would contribute to developing an actionable roadmap for strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and ensuring a secure, affordable, diversified and resilient energy future.

The seminar was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, academics, researchers, energy experts, representatives of the private sector and development partners, as well as other distinguished participants.