Sirajganj:Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku today alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina weakened the banking sector under the guise of development projects, failing to bring substantial development to the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tuku made these comments during a visit to Kamarkhand upazila in Sirajganj, where he spoke to worshippers after Jummah prayers at the Upazila Central Jame Mosque. He criticized the Awami League for going underground and leaving a considerable debt burden on the populace, citing a debt of Tk 35,000 crore per person resulting from loans taken during Hasina's regime.
Tuku emphasized that the current government, elected by public vote, is fulfilling its duties with the cooperation of the people. He also addressed the ongoing energy crisis, urging citizens to understand the complexities arising from conflicts in fuel-exporting regions and attacks on Saudi Arabian oil refineries, which have exacerbated the global energy situation.
Despite the challenges, Tuku highlighted the government's efforts to maintain uninterrupted power supply by importing gas at higher prices. He noted that the gas price surged from 12 dollars to 32 dollars since the government took office, necessitating Tk 46,000 crore in subsidies in recent months.
The minister also pointed out that the power transmission line from Dhaka to Mymensingh, left incomplete by the previous government, was finished within 10 months by the current administration, significantly reducing load-shedding in Mymensingh. He encouraged the adoption of solar energy, urging citizens to install solar panels to generate electricity, reduce power bills, and partially satisfy their energy needs.