Dhaka: Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku announced a target to generate 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power over the next five years. He stated that as an initial step towards this goal, all Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across the country have been directed to install solar panels within the next three months.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister provided these details while briefing journalists after attending the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Addressing the issues related to power transmission lines, the minister explained that due to the extensive length of Palli Bidyut’s transmission lines, identifying mechanical faults can take time. However, he assured that power supply disruptions are quickly resolved and should not be mistaken for general load-shedding.
Clarifying recent power disruptions in certain areas, the minister dismissed the notion that they were caused by a shortage of fuel oil. Instead, he attributed the disruptions to temporary mechanical glitches and emphasized that reports of load-shedding due to oil scarcity are inaccurate. The minister also thanked the District Commissioners for their efforts in managing an artificial fuel crisis attempted in recent days.
During the conference, field administration officials received a detailed briefing on the current power and energy situation to ensure accurate information dissemination at the local level. The minister reported that Deputy Commissioners have pledged their full cooperation in expanding renewable energy coverage. This initiative is a crucial component of the government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on environment-friendly power generation.
Concluding the briefing, the minister highlighted various government steps to ensure national energy security. He expressed confidence that effective coordination with field-level officials would alleviate public suffering caused by temporary power outages.