Bangladeshi universities urged to focus on power sector research

Bangladeshi universities have been urged to prioritise research to achieve self-sufficiency in the power and energy sector.

"We must ensure the optimal use of our natural resources to develop the power and energy sector," said, Secondary and Higher Education Division Senior Secretary Siddique Zobayer on Thursday.

The secretary was speaking at the "BEPRC-Vice Chancellors Meeting on Identifying Areas of Applied Research in Energy and Power', organised by the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC).

He stressed the importance of developing technology through research, innovating new technologies, and involving national and international researchers in the process.

BEPRC Member Dr Md. Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome address.

Mohammad Wahid Hossain, chairman (Senior Secretary) of BEPRC, highlighted the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources' efforts to ensure energy security.

Wahid mentioned the council's funding of relevant projects through local researchers to develop technologies suited to the sector.

He noted that the council plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy and power supply.

An effective communication network has been created with a panel of distinguished scientists and experts who regularly engage in the council's research activities. BEPRC also hosts technical seminars and workshops to encourage research at universities and institutions, he added.

Military and academic officials, including the Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), vice-chancellors and Pro-VCs from universities such as BUET, Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and DUET were present at the time, among others.

Established in 2015, the BEPRC aims to innovate and promote modern technology in the power and energy sector.

BEPRC is focused on innovating and improving power and energy technologies, ensuring affordable and sustainable use of renewable energy, advising the government, and maintaining ties with regional and international research institutions.