How can Bangladesh use hydroelectricity?

I recently came across a news item on hydro-power production in Asian countries. Bangladesh, with a capacity of just 230 MW, was ranked at the bottom of the tally. We rather rely on coal-powered rental power plants, among others, to meet out electricity demands.

Hydroelectricity is a source of clean energy. Bangladesh's only hydroelectricity generation project situated in Kaptai, Rangamati, was built in 1955. The power station was built at a huge human cost.

Bangladesh's only recourse is to tap the hydroelectric generation projects in Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim, India. We can invest in these projects in exchange for a chunk of power that would be produced there.

The authorities concerned ought to increase their efficiency, negotiating and management skills. Nothing other than regional co-operation for power development can usher in a new era of prosperity.

S N Mamoon, Dhaka