Energy security has become a global concern. Bangladesh is no exception as well. Marking this issue, Brac Business School (BBS) of Brac University (BracU) arranged a high-profile debate on highlighting the question "Is the switch from local natural gas to other finite energy sources the right transition path for Bangladesh?"
The debate took place on Monday, 16 September at capital’s BRAC Centre Inn. BBS's aim was to promote a robust conversation that enables key-stakeholders to make informed decisions about pressing issues.
Professor Md Tamim, pro-vice chancellor (VC) of BracU and former special assistant to the Chief Adviser of a Caretaker Government of Bangladesh; Dr Ahsan H Mansur, executive director, Policy Research Institute, and Chairman, Brac Bank; Professor Dr Badrul Imam, professor at the Department of Geology, Dhaka University; Muhammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell were in favor of the motion.
On the other hand, Prof Dr Christian von Hirschhausen, professor of Economic and Infrastructure Policy, Berlin University of Technology, and Research Director, DIW Berlin; Dr Jon Cloke, National Network manager, UK Low Carbon Energy for Development Network and consultant for Renewable Energy Act for Bangladesh; Nurul Aktar, CEO and director of Energypac Electronics, and vice president, Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association; Shahriar Chowdhury, director, Centre for Energy Research at United International University were against the motion.
Dr Sebastian Groh, assistant professor of BBS and managing director of SOLshare played the role of moderator in the debate.
Both teams put strong arguments with logic on the table to make their point. The issues discussed ranged from challenges to opportunities in the energy sector of Bangladesh; such as energy security, supply-demand, feasibility, fuel diversification and climate change. However, all the debaters agreed that the energy transition track should be clean, efficient, and feasible.
A pro-active audience listened to the points and counter-points, also took part in an audience poll. As the floor was open to the audience they engaged themselves through questions and comments.
By the end, the team against the motion, and in favor of an immediate shift to renewable, swayed more minds.
Professor Vincent Chang, president and VC of BracU congratulated the debaters and concluded this first real talk event.
