Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday (April 12) renewed her call to the countrymen to be economical in using electricity saying that the government has to spend a huge amount of money to produce it.
“You'll have to be economical in using electricity ... we want that the people to use it properly,” she said while opening Bheramara 410-MW Combined Cycle Power Plant and cent percent electrification in 15 Upazilas through a video conferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence here yesterday morning.
From the same function, the premier opened innovative online training platform “Kusholi”.
The prime minister said the government takes less amount of electricity bill than the actual amount of money that is spent on producing a single watt of power. “We give a huge amount of subsidy in this regard,” she said.
“So I would like to request all to be careful in using electricity ... you’ll have to fulfil your demand by using less amount of electricity as much as possible,” she said.
The prime minister also requested the teachers, students and officials to switch off the lights, fans and other electric appliances while coming out of the schools and offices. “It will not hamper your dignity, rather you can protect the government assets,” she said.
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 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 present at the function, among others.
She also urged the people to plug off television, laptops and mobile phone chargers while coming out of their houses. “The electric metre moves round when the red lights of these devices are on.”
Elaborating her government’s steps for setting up power plants to meet the growing demand for electricity, the prime minister sought cooperation of all to complete the projects.
She said Bangladesh will celebrate its golden jubilee of independence in 2021 when about 24,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity will be produced and “we will be able to light up every house”.
The Bheramara combined cycle dual fuel power plant was constructed at a cost of Tk 3,784.98 crore. Of the amount, the government provided Tk 634.72 crore while the rest came as the project assistance.
The North-West Power Generation Company Ltd implemented the project at Bahirchar in Bheramara Upazila of Kushtia.
The 15 upazilas brought under 100 percent electrification are Dhamrai of Dhaka, Nikoli of Kishoreganj, Rauzan of Chittagong, Pirganj of Rangpur, Khoksha of Kushtia, Debhata of Satkhira, Rupsha, Fultala and Dighalia of Khulna, Bagatipara of Natore, Bera of Pabna, Bianibazar of Sylhet, Dinajpur Sadar and Birampur of Dinajpur.
“Kusholi” is a learning management system, which is a web-based technology or software used to plan, implement and assess a specific learning process.
It 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 Chaudhury also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the prime minister exchanged views with the cross-section of people of concerned districts, including government officials, public representatives, teachers, guardians, students, freedom fighters and beneficiaries through the video conferencing.
BSS
