PM considering reduced electricity production to save fuel

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 5, 2022) said that she is considering "area-based load shedding" for a specific period to save fuel used for power generation.

"Today, I think that I will tell (the authority concerned) to reduce electricity production for some time (every day) – to save fuel used for power generation," she said.

The prime minister said this at a function at the PGR Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment to mark the President's Guard Regiment' s (PGR) founding anniversary. She joined the programme from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The PM said that the country witnessed 8-10 hours of power cuts in the past from where her government – taking over office in 2009 – increased electricity generation, ensuring uninterrupted power supply in the country.

She mentioned that the government has accomplished a remarkable feat, providing electricity to every house.

The PM said there won't be any indiscriminate load shedding. It will be announced earlier for a specific area and for a specific time, she added.

"If we specify the time for load shedding for specific areas... If we take that step from now on... we will be better prepared for much more difficult days ahead," she said.

Talking about recent economic turmoil across the globe due to the impact of coronavirus pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, she said that fuel prices have soared.

 As a result, power generation is facing challenges in many countries around the world, she said.

 She said that prices of diesel, fuel oil, LNG have increased significantly.

"If we specify the time for load shedding for specific areas... If we take that step from now on... we will be better prepared for much more difficult days ahead."

Hasina reiterated her call to maintain austerity and increase savings which will be beneficial to face any type of crisis in the future.

Talking about the development of the armed forces following the Forces Goal 2030, the prime minister said, "…We want peace, the Father of the Nation gave us the defence policy which is 'friendship to all, malice to none'. We will follow that policy."

"But as an independent country, we have to ensure all preparations, especially develop organisations that are the symbols of independence and sovereignty. We have taken steps for that and are implementing those," she said.