In this issue

Bangladesh adopted a mega plan more than a decade ago to develop its nearby islands of Moheshkhali and Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar district as an energy hub. The plan was to set up about 10-12 medium-to-large coal power plants. The Matarbari plan included a coal transshipment terminal, a land-based LNG terminal, a liquid fuel import hub, and a bulk LPG import terminal. As part of the plan, a channel with an 18.5-meter draft and 350-meter width has already been developed, investing a huge amount of money. The channel is to facilitate the operations of large ships to and from the deep sea. Developing a deep seaport infrastructure is also under the plan. Depending on the infrastructure and facilities, 8-10 public and private sector industrial zones are also planned to be set up in the adjacent areas. However, the government has abandoned the plan to develop 10-12 coal power plants due to the changed global perspective. Japan, which was originally committed to a 2X1200MW coal power plant, withdrew from it after financing the first phase. As a result, the channel is likely to remain underutilized due to the absence of the initially-expected traffic of coal ships. The government is considering setting up LNG-fired power plants and renewable energy instead of coal plants.

However, the government must ensure the optimum utilization of the expensive infrastructure to get the necessary return on investment. Promoting international trade through the port can make it a regional hub and help get the expected outcome.

Energy & Power Magazine Description:

Energy & Power (EP) is the first and only full-fledged fortnightly magazine that deals with the much cried over energy and power sector in Bangladesh. Since its inception in June 16, 2003, EP is working very hard to 
a) Develop public consciousness on sustainable and even development of energy sector; 
b) Assist the policy makers in assuming pragmatic policies for a balanced development of the energy sector; 
c) Continuous supply of information among public; and 
d) Develop a group of reporters in this field 

Bangladesh is an energy deficit country like other countries in the region and most of the people do not have adequate access to the energy and power. The country is completely dependent on fossil energy source; at the same time, it is one of the most inefficient energy using countries in the world. 
It lacks efficiency in planning, management, generation, distribution, load management and even at the end user level consumption. 
In spite of the above drawbacks, issues relating to utilization of renewable energy, exploring alternative use of energy, planned use of environment friendly energy are significantly undermined in Bangladesh. 
The biggest challenge of Bangladesh is to find a path for balanced growth of its energy sector. Despite its resource constraints, EP dynamically strives to provide theenergy sector with a flow of information and create public awareness; so that policymakers get guidelines and platforms for its sustainable development.

Code of Ethics 
EP believes that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues and professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. We strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.

The EP editorial policy is to share a dedication to ethical behavior and uphold the zero conflict of interest principles and highest standards of practice. 

EP believes in 
o Seeking truth and reporting the same 
o Minimize harm