Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi-Chowdhury on Tuesday said an investigation is going on to unveil the fact how coal disappeared from Barapukuria Coal Mine. “It’s too early to make any comment over the investigation, but the role of the authorities concerned needs to be looked into,” he said while talking to reporters after the third session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference in the city.
Asked whether any serious action will be taken against those responsible, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is serious as she does not shy away from taking strict measures as much as she cares for government officials.
“She won’t tolerate the presence of any corruption, if any,” Tawfiq-e-Elahi told the journalists.
The third session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference was held between the DCs and officials from three ministries – Disaster Management and Relief, Power and Energy, and Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Regarding shutting down the Barapukuria power plant, he acknowledged the temporary load-shedding in some areas of the country’s northern region, but stated that the schedules of those load-shedding are being announced in advance. “Every initiative is being taken to minimise the sufferings of the common people.”
Regarding access to electricity, he said electricity was available in only 45 percent areas of the country in 2008 but the percentage has crossed 90 percent after Awami League got elected for the second consecutive term.
Asked whether the DCs came up with any complaint, Tawfiq-e-Elahi said they raised the issue of electricity load-shedding and he assured them of looking into it. “Similar steps are being taken to prevent load-shedding in rural areas,” he added.
Later, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Shah Kamal said the DCs have been instructed to stay ready to face any sort of natural disaster. The ministry is adequately prepared to provide aid and relief materials to victims of any future flooding and erosions, he added.
