Munshiganj: Solar lights were distributed among 1500 families living in a large char (shoal) along the Padma River in Lauhajang upazila on Saturday, aiming to pull the unprivileged people out of darkness, reports UNB. These families under 10 unions of the upazila were handed over solar lights free at a programme at Louhjang upazila ground where Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said, "Total power generation was 4,300 MW when Awami League government had left office in 2001. But after taking office once again in 2009, we found that the capacity has come down to 2000 MW."
"But in the last seven years, we have taken the total power generation to 13,000 MW. More power is coming from India, Nepal and Bhutan. We are also building big power plants, including nuclear and coal-fired ones," Matia added.
Local MP and former whip of parliament Sagufta Yasmin Emily took the initiative of bringing solar power to the families in the area under a special budgetary allocation in her name. Sagufta Yasmin said this transition from darkness to light is expected to usher in a new era by ensuring socioeconomic development for the char residents.
Through solar power, the children of the char  (landmass emerging from riverbed) area can now read at night, family members can relax and learn by watching television, people feel safer in and around their homes and shopkeepers and traders can extend their business hours, she added.
Yasmin said the government has decided to empower local people through solar lights since the char area could not be connected to the national grid for various reasons. The char residents are highly delighted upon receiving the news of getting solar lights. Char resident Amena Begum said “We’re happy getting the solar lights. Now we can have dinner together under the light and do other necessary works without fear.” Another resident, Yaran Nesa, said, “Our children will be able to study till late night without any disturbance.” Lauhajang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Khalekkuzaman said the initiative taken by the local MP is a noble one. It will reduce the char residents’ dependence on kerosene and help save their money, he added. Deputy Commissioner of the district Saiful Hasan Badal said solar lights will surely benefit the local char residents by giving them new hopes of a brighter future and better standard of living.