Minister Barua admits govt’s failure in addressing power crisis

Dhaka, May 11 (UNB) - Industries Minister Dilip Barua has admitted that the government could not proceed as per the “people’s expectations” regarding a solution to the power crisis.
“Undoubtedly it’s a ‘cry of the days’ but unfortunately we couldn’t address the power crisis as the countrymen expected quickly. It’s simply because there has never been a long-term, realistic policy on power generation,” the Minister said while addressing a pre-budget discussion at the National Press Club at noon Tuesday.
Barua, however, sought to assure the public that the government would solve the power crisis through the implementation of its short, mid and long-term plans, and sought time from the people to ensure a country free from load-shedding.
Business Reporters Foundation and Development (BRFD) hosted the discussion. President of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BMCCI) Syed Moazzem Hossain, former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries MA Momen, industrialist Sheikh Masudul Islam Masud and journalist Jibon Islam, among others, addressed the discussion.
Pointing his finger at the BNP-Jamaat alliance government, Dilip Barua said: “Those who are actually responsible for the ongoing power crisis in the country have suddenly become impatient.”
He said the government has made much progress in utilizing all avenues to address the power crisis. “It’s a pro-people government.
Through coordinated efforts power crisis will be solved to encourage both local and foreign entrepreneurs.”
Minister Barua said the government would take necessary steps to modernize the power transmission and distribution systems in the
country. “Increasing generation alone won’t work to solve the power crisis, unless smooth transmission and distribution systems are also ensured.”
Contemplating a long-term solution to the power crisis, he said: “It’s time to go for coal-based power plants. We have world’s best
quality coal.”
Minister Barua emphasized the importance of the transition to an industrialized economy from an agricultural economy.
“We have limited land with a huge population. So, we don’t have any alternative other than switching over to an industry-based economy,” he said.
He said Bangladesh is a unique place for foreign investment. “Now we only need to solve the electricity crisis which is the driving force to encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country.”
While addressing the discussion, BMCCI President Sayed Moazzem Hossain said the government had provided false data regarding power generation and actual demand in the country in the past.
He asked the government to find out the real demand for power instead of providing false data.
Sayed Moazzem suggested that the government should go for big power plants and fix some priority sectors like the industrial sector instead of the service sector.
He urged the Industries Minister to take effective steps so that coal policy can be approved within the quickest possible time.
“If necessary, the government can bring all the players to the same table to finalize the coal policy and a body styled ‘Sustainable Energy Development Authority’ can be formed to improve the power and gas crisis,” he said.
Former DCCI President MA Momen in his speech said the government should take up transparent programs to solve the power and gas crisis, which is the main impediment to industrialization. “The Country would certainly be going backward without industrialization,” he concluded.