PM urges all to be economical in using electricity

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged all to be economical in using electricity as power production needs huge money.

The Prime Minister said consumers are getting electricity at a very lower as government does not charge the actual price of its generation.

"The government gives subsidy in this sector," she said at a programme at Ganabhaban in Dhaka on Thursday.

Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 410 megawatt capacity combined cycle power plant at Bheramara in Kushtia through a video conference from her residence.

Hundred per cent electrification in 15 Upazilas and Online Training Platform-Kushali was also inaugurated at the programme, reports UNB.

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.

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.

The Prime Minister recalled the miserable days in the power sector due to the misrule of the BNP-Jamaat alliance government.

Witnessing the miserable situation, she said, 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.

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.