Energy sector in Bangladesh: an agenda for reforms

The Government of Bangladesh has committed to ensuring access to affordable and reliable electricity for all citizens by 2021. At present, however, only about half of the population has access to electricity, while supply is hardly reliable for those with access. To improve the situation, the government has adopted a comprehensive energy development strategy to explore supply-side options along with demand management that conserves energy and discourages inefficient use. This report addresses the key priority issues for reform in the energy sector along with an agenda for its progressive implementation. It starts with an overview of energy subsidies in Bangladesh, before surveying the country’s energy sector development plans, with an emphasis on the electricity sector. Finally, the report discusses the important role that energy pricing policy will play in achieving the government’s objectives.