President Mohammed Shahabuddin today asked the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) authorities to focus on research for exploring the new energy sources.

“We need to find out new sources of energy and we should focus on strengthening energy related research,” he said as a BERC delegation presented annual report to him at Bangabhaban here this noon.

The BERC regulates the gas, electricity and petroleum products in Bangladesh.

The president called the energy sector, including electricity, as one of the most important sectors in the country’s overall development.

He said the demand for electricity is on the rise along with country’s overall development.

The head of the state expressed his hope that the BERC authorities would provide time-befitting recommendations and advices to the government on stability and pricing of the energy sector.

BERC Chairman Md Nurul Amin led the delegation that included Dr Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury, Dr Md Helal Uddin, Abul Khair Md Aminur Rahman and Md Khalilur Rahman Khan.

During the meeting, the president was apprised by the commission chairman of the overall activities of the BERC.

The delegation sought the president’s full cooperation and guidance in their activities.

Giving the BERC delegation a patient hearing, the president expressed satisfaction over the overall activities of the commission.

President’s Office Secretary Md. Wahidul Islam Khan, Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin and Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were present.

-BSS.