Drawback in power sector during BNP regime ‘unprecedented’: PM

M Humayun Kabir: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the country’s drawback in power sector during BNP regime was unprecedented.
“I don’t know whether people of any country have such a bitter experience,” she said while inaugurating National Power and Energy Week 2018 at a function at Bashundhara City International Convention Center in the city, reports BSS.
Bangladesh’s total electricity generation capacity was 1600-megawatt (MW) when Awami League assumed power in 1996, the PM said, adding that most part of the country was plunging into darkness at that time and the government for the first time engaged the private sector to boost the sector.
“With the engagement of private sector, she said, the country’s total power generation capacity rose to 4300 MW in five years. But, the generation capacity unprecedentedly came down to 3200 MW in next five-year tenure of BNP.”
Production cost of every unit of electricity is around Taka 6.25, but the government is making it available to people at Taka 4.82, the premier mentioned.
Urging the people to maintain austerity in using electricity, she said in future the government might withdraw the subsidy when country’s economy would get better.
The AL ruling government has attached highest importance to regional cooperation in power sector with construction of power plants and grid lines with neighbouring countries as well as BIMSTEC countries, she said.
The National Power and Energy Week 2018 is being observed with the theme ‘Onirban Agami’ aimed at showcasing the successes, current activities and future plan of the power and energy sector to the people.