After getting reassignment as State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral resources on Monday for the second consecutive terms, Nasrul Hamid reiterated his stance of taking all out measures to ensure quality, reliable and affordable electricity to all. “I am very much sincere about my responsibility that has been given by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to improve the sector further and I will try my level best to live up to her expectations,” he told when BSS asked for his reaction after getting reassignment as state minister for power, energy and mineral resources.
Nasrul Hamid said the ministry will give priority to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for all as the government is pledged to bring all citizens under electricity coverage by 2021.
As reassignment he said, “I will give priority to implement the long term plan as 94 percent accessibility has been achieved so now reliable and affordable power will be my main priority in next five years.” The state minister said the government will give emphasize on mineral resources aimed at ensuring energy security in the country. The government also emphasized for efficient use of natural resources. He said the power and energy related technology is being transformed globally so Bangladesh would go for it, adding, “Though we have achieved tremendous success under the dynamic and bold leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
“Now it is necessary to bring energy and power pricing at affordable level. Currently 92 percent people are getting electricity, which was only 47 percent in the beginning of 2009,” Nasrul Hamid said. He said the government has installed 99 power plants as against 27 in 2009 and the power generation capacity reached to 20,775 MW and power connections to 3.15 crore.
“We have brought over two crore people under power coverage through 53 lakh solar home systems,” the state minister said.
