100pc electricity coverage in all upazilas by 2021
PM says, opens 7 power plants
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed optimism that all the upazilas would come under cent percent electricity coverage by 2021, as the government was working to illuminate all homes across the country.
“We hope to provide cent percent electricity across the country within the ‘Mujib Borsho’,” she said.
The premier was addressing a programme marking the inauguration of seven power plants and complete electrification of 23 upazilas. The PM joined the programme from the Gono Bhaban through videoconference.
“Mujib Borsho” will be observed from March 2020 to March 2021 marking the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina said with the opening of the seven power plants and bringing 23 upazilas under complete electrification, a total of 234 upazilas have so far been brought under cent percent electricity coverage. The seven new plants added 790 MW power to the national grid.
She said 94 percent people have been brought under electricity coverage as the total power generation now stands at 22,562 MW.
The premier said her government was taking various measures to increase power generation to light up every homes of the country. “No house will be left in the dark.”
Taking a swipe at the previous BNP-Jamaat government, she said, “After assuming office in 1996, we only got 1,600 MW electricity. We increased the figure to 4,300 MW. But the power generation reduced to 3,200 MW after the BNP took office in 2001.”
The PM urged all to exercise austerity in using electricity.
Putting emphasis on implementing the Awami League’s electoral commitments, Hasina said her government was determined to execute all the electoral pledges as the people voted her party to power for the third consecutive term due to all the development works carried out by her government.
Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, Prime Minister’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Affairs Adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Political Affairs Adviser HT Imam, Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali were present, among others.
The seven power plants which were opened yesterday are: Anwara 300 MW Power Plant, Rangpur 113 MW Power Plant, Karnaphuli 110 MW Power Plant, Shikalbaha 105 MW Power Plant, Patia 54 MW Power Plant, Tentulia 8 MW Solar Power Plant and Gazipur 100 MW Power Plant.
The 23 upazilas which came under cent percent electricity coverage are: Gabtali, Sherpur and Shibganj of Bogura district; Lohagara in Chattogram; Madhukhali, Nagarkanda and Saltha in Faridpur; Fulchhari, Gaibandha Sadar and Palashbari in Gaibandha; Madhabpur and Nabiganj in Habiganj; Kaliganj and Maheshpur in Jhenidah; Karimganj in Kishoreganj; Baraigram, Lalpur and Singra in Natore; Barhatta and Mohanganj in Netrakona; Bhandaria, Kaukhali and Indurkani of Pirojpur.
Later, the premier exchanged views with some local beneficiaries and public representatives of the districts.