PM calls for austerity in electricity use

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged all to practise austerity in using the electricity as consumers are getting it at a very lower price due to government subsidy in the sector.

"It needs huge money to produce power, but we don't charge the actual price of its generation from consumers; we give subsidy," she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating the 410 megawatt capacity combined cycle power plant at Bheramara in Kushtia, hundred percent electrification in 15 upazilas and Online Training Platform-Kushali through a videoconference from her official residence Ganobhaban.

She said the government wants the people of the country to use electricity properly. "You have to be careful in using electricity."

Sheikh Hasina said there is nothing disgraceful in switching the lights and fans off in own hands when the room is empty.

"I myself switch off the fans and lights of my room when I go out, it doesn't lower my dignity, there is nothing to feel dishonoured if anyone does his or her own works in own hands," she said adding that with this the electricity bill will come down.

Hasina also urged teachers to teach their students this lesson in their respective schools and colleges.

"We have to be aware that there will be no wastage of electricity," she said.

Recalling the miserable days in the power sector due to the misrule of the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, she said to mitigate the high demand of power generation, the Awami League government in its 1996-2001 tenure enacted a law to pave the way for giving the private sector the scope to invest in the power sector.

Newly built 410 Mega Watt capacity combined cycle power plant at Bheramara has been set up to meet the growing demand of electricity and as part of the government's efforts to bring the entire country under cent percent electrification.

With the inauguration of the newly built power plant, the electricity needs in eight districts of country's north-western part would be met.

North-West Power Generation Company in collaboration with Japanese Company Marubeni Corporation implemented the project at a cost of Tk 3,785 crore.

Sources said the works on constructing the power plant began in 2014, and one gas unit, one Steam Turbine, and one HRCG have been set up in the plant with 2686 strong pilings.

The 15 upazilas which got hundred percent electrification are Dhamrai of Dhaka, Rupsha of Khulna, Rawjan under Chattogram, Pirganj of Rangpur and Nikli of Khoreganj, Khoksha of Kushtia, Debhata under Shatkhira, Fultala of Jashore, Dighalia under Khulna, Bugattipara of Natore, Bianibazar of Sylhet, Dinajpur Sadar and Birampur under Dinajpur District, Chuadanga Sadar and Bera Upazila of Pabna.

A total of 51 upazilas of the country have so far been brought under cent percent electrification.

"Online Training Platform-Kushali" is learning management system which is a web-based technology or software used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process.

It is an innovative e-learning platform that will support Bangladesh's expanding electricity needs over the next three decades, while anyone can join the training from anywhere in Bangladesh.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.

Power Division Secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus made a power point presentation on the past, present and future of the electricity in Bangladesh, while PM's Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman moderated the function.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid Bipu were present.

Besides, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Tazul Islam, Jatiya Sangsad Whip Atiur Rahman Atiq, the Japanese Charge d'Affaires in Dhaka, parliament members and senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office were, among others, present at the function.