Powering Progress: Experts Urged to Innovate in Energy Research
Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Siddiq Zobair, has called for the maximum utilization of indigenous natural resources to achieve self-sufficiency in the power and energy sector. He emphasized the need for technological advancements, new innovations, and engagement of renowned national and international researchers and scientists in energy research.
He made this statement on Thursday while addressing a consultation meeting with vice-chancellors of various universities, organized by the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) at the BEPRC conference room in the IEB Building, Ramna. The discussion focused on identifying areas for applied research in energy and power.
Commitment to Energy Security and Technological Advancement
Presiding over the event, BEPRC Chairman (Senior Secretary) Mohammad Wahid Hossain stated that the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources is working tirelessly to ensure the country’s energy security. He highlighted that BEPRC was established in 2015 with the aim of fostering modern technology innovation and expansion in the power and energy sector.
He further noted that BEPRC funds projects led by local researchers to develop contextual technologies in the sector. Explaining the council’s key responsibilities, he outlined:
- Innovating new technologies and enhancing existing ones through research
- Ensuring the cost-effective and sustainable use of renewable energy
- Identifying sectoral challenges and providing policy recommendations to the government
- Establishing collaborations with regional and international research institutions
- Engaging leading scientists and researchers in research initiatives
Strategic Collaborations for Research Excellence
Wahid Hossain also stated that BEPRC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable supply and utilization of energy and power. The council has developed an effective communication network by forming a panel of renowned scientists and experts from both domestic and international institutions, integrating them into the council’s research activities. Additionally, BEPRC regularly organizes technical seminars and workshops in collaboration with various universities and research institutions to encourage research initiatives.
Academic and Institutional Participation
The meeting commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Member (Additional Secretary) of BEPRC.
The event was attended by senior representatives from various academic and research institutions, including:
- Commandant (Major General), Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST)
- Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors of:
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
- University of Dhaka (DU)
- Rajshahi University (RU)
- Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET)
- Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST)
- Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU)
- Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET)
- Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU)
- Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU)
- Chittagong University (CU)
- Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST)
- Vice-Chancellor of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
- Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)
The presence of esteemed academic leaders and researchers underlined the importance of collaborative research efforts to drive innovation in the energy and power sector of Bangladesh.
