BANGLADESH

Decades of government monopoly in Bangladesh's energy sector may end soon. New measures have been drafted to facilitate restructuring of the Power Development Board and the Dhaka Electricity Supply Authority, and offer incentives to attract private sector participation.

Other reform proposals include a computerised billing system and engaging private parties on a contract basis to ensure efficient collection of electricity bills, and minimise systems loss, now at a "staggering" rate of 36 per cent. Reduction of this massive systems loss has assumed critical importance, as it turns away potential foreign investors.