Govt aims to be self sufficient in power generation, says PM
With the opening of the three power plants, this government hit a �century� of setting up new power plants.
UNB
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to properly and timely complete all the development projects for ensuring the countrys quick progress, reports UNB.
Weve already implemented massive uplift works across the country, while the work on many projects is underway. So I would like to tell all concerned to finish all the ongoing schemes properly and timely for accelerating the pace of development, she said.
The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of 15 development projects, including three power plants, in seven districts through a videoconferencing from her official residence Ganabhaban at noon. The power plants that were inaugurated by the Prime Minister are Ashuganj 225-MW Combined Cycle Power Plant, United Ashuganj 200-MW Modular Power Plant and Ashuganj Midland 51-MW Power Plant.
With the opening of the three power plants, the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hit a century of setting up new power plants.
Through the videoconferencing, Sheikh Hasina also inaugurated newly constructed Jananetri Sheikh Hasina Hall and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at Chittagong University, newly constructed Kazir Bazar Bridge over the Surma River in Sylhet, newly constructed Nayakandi Bridge, Kitingchar and Saturia bridges on Hemayetpur-Singair-Manikganj regional highway under Manikganj district, Ballbhadra Bridge on Sarail-Lakhairegional highway, Postagola Government Modern Flour Mill and the activities of Bangladesh Nirapod Food Authority.
Besides, she laid the foundation stones of a railway overpass at Morail rail crossing under Brahmanbaria, upgradation of Airport Bypass intersection-Lalbagh-Salutikor-Companyganj-Bholaganj road to National Highway and upgradation of Hemayetpur-Singair-Manikganj regional highway (Manikganj Bus Stand-DC Residence road part) to four-lane one.
Since assumption of office by the AL government in 2009, some 73 new power plants were constructed in the last six and a half years. The Prime Minister said there was a severe crisis of electricity when her previous government took office in 2009.
At that time, we took some steps, including short- and mid-term ones to address the power crisis in the country and were delighted now that Bangladesh hit a century like in cricket of establishing power plants during the period of my government...its a huge achievement, she said.
Sheikh Hasina expressed her firm resolve to surpass power generating capacity of 20,000 MW by 2021. Weve the firm belief well also be able to produce 24,000 MW of electricity.
The Prime Minister said her government initially took steps for setting up small power plants, but later undertook some mega projects for establishing power plants which need time to be completed. Our government has been working tirelessly so that the country never witnesses power shortage, she said.
Hasina said not only power sector, the country also witnessed massive development in other sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, health, food security and environment.
Responding to the greetings extended to her for receiving the Champions of the Earth Award, the Prime Minister urged all concerned to massively plant trees to protect the environment.
She also requested the authorities concerned to keep a water reservoir while undertaking projects.
The Prime Minister said Bangabandhu liberated the country with a dream of establishing a prosperous and developed country free from hunger and poverty.
