Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government is embarking on a comprehensive long-term plan to mitigate the ongoing power crisis and alleviate load-shedding throughout the nation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a regular press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman outlined the government’s strategy which includes the establishment of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), enhanced domestic gas exploration, the full operation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and the integration of Bhola gas into the national grid. These initiatives are projected to ensure a steady power supply to both rural and urban areas within the next one and a half to two years.
Dr Zahed emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the power crisis, which has been exacerbated by energy shortages, mechanical failures at power plants, and a surge in demand due to increased economic activities. He reassured that the discriminatory practice of prioritizing power supply to major cities over rural areas has been abandoned, ensuring an equitable distribution of load-shedding impacts across the country.
The government is targeting a two-year timeline to establish a new FSRU to boost LNG imports. Concurrently, a Taka 500-crore initiative aims to connect Bhola gas to the national grid, alongside ongoing efforts by BAPEX to dig and re-dig 150 wells. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin its trial commissioning in September, with expectations to contribute fully to the national grid by next year.
The adviser also highlighted the Bangladesh government’s diplomatic success, resulting in a policy change by the Malaysian government to recruit 10,000 new workers at no cost, including airfare. Additionally, a new decision permits 312 organizations to operate as associate recruiting agencies, expanding beyond the previously approved 25 main agencies.
On the issue of missing children, Dr Zahed cited statistics showing a consistent trend rather than a sudden crisis, with the government maintaining vigilance over each case. Regarding fertilizer storage, he reported a current stock exceeding 12 lakh 861 metric tonnes, an increase from last year, and ongoing efforts to rectify supply chain irregularities.
Dr Zahed also addressed the need for job security for journalists, noting progress on the ninth wage board implementation and steps toward a tenth. He announced plans to unify legal protections for journalists across television and online platforms.
Moreover, the government is formulating guidelines for battery-powered rickshaws under the Local Government Division. A new monthly allowance for children with special needs has been incorporated into the pay scale, while the foundation stone for the Laldia Container Terminal at Chittagong Port, with Danish support, promises to bolster the national economy.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting KM Abdul Wadud, and Deputy-Principal Information Officer Fakhrul Islam were also present at the briefing.