BANGLADESH DELEGATES TO WIREC 2008

UNCLAS DHAKA 000103

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR OES WIREC ACTION GROUP DEPUTY TRACY HALL AND OES SPECIAL
ASSISTANT CAMILLE HILL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ENRG EPET SENV SOCI TRGY KPAO KGHG KSCA BG

SUBJECT: BANGLADESH DELEGATES TO WIREC 2008

REF: SECSTATE 05963, DHAKA 01642


1. Post submits two names of representatives from Bangladesh for
participation in the Washington International Renewable Energy
Conference (WIREC) 2008. USAID will be funding the travel expenses
for these two delegates. The two proposed participants are: Mr.
Kaisar Ahmed, Director, Renewable Energy, Rural Electrification
Board (REB),Government of Bangladesh; and Dipal C. Barua, managing
Director, Grameen Shakti.


2. Mr. Kaisar Ahmed has a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has
over 26 years experience of working on the Government of
Bangladesh's Rural Electrification Board (REB). Currently he is the
Director of the Renewable Energy Directorate of REB. His
responsibilities amongst others include strategic planning for
roof-top solar distribution system and community based solar
distribution system.


3. Mr. Dipal C. Barua is now the Deputy Managing Director of Grameen
Bank. He has a Masters Degree in Economics from Chittagong
University. He is the driving force in expanding renewable energy
technologies in Bangladesh. He advocated for and succeeded in
establishing pro-friendly renewable energy policies in Bangladesh
His single most contribution include the adaptation by World Bank of
the GS model to expand renewable energy in Bangladesh.


4. Post notes that we received no expressions of interest in
participating in WIREC 2008 from Ministerial-level representatives
of the Government of Bangladesh.


5. Post is assisting the two delegates with their visa application
and travel arrangements.