Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan today announced a directive instructing public and private offices, the secretariat, mosques, and homes to maintain air conditioner temperatures at 25°C to combat the power crisis during the upcoming Ramadan. “A specific team of the power division will monitor compliance. If any violations are detected, load shedding will occur in those areas,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khan addressed journalists following the power and energy, railways, road transport, and bridges divisions sessions of the DC conference with Deputy Commissioners at Osmani Auditorium. He remarked on the fragile economic situation the interim government inherited and the challenges of paying electricity and fuel bills due to large-scale money laundering. Despite these hurdles, Khan assured that measures are in place to ensure a stable power supply during Ramadan.
The Adviser emphasized the role of deputy commissioners in raising awareness about electricity efficiency. He noted that while winter power demand is 9,000MW, it soars to 17,000MW-18,000MW in the summer, primarily due to irrigation and air conditioning. Given the critical link between irrigation and food production, it will be prioritized. However, moderating air conditioning use could save several thousand MW of power.
Khan also mentioned initiatives to reduce cooling load, including requests to the religious adviser to instruct mosques to set air conditioners at 25°C during Tarabih prayers. On the gas front, Khan reported that efforts are underway to increase production through new wells, which is gradually improving the situation. He highlighted the disconnection of illegal gas connections, saving around 200 mmcfd, and discussions with the finance adviser to secure foreign exchange for LNG imports.
“We don’t lack capacity to generate power, but there is a shortage of fuel,” Khan explained. He discussed setting a standard price level for power purchased from coal, gas, and oil-based plants and expressed a broader goal of bringing the electricity and energy sector to a sustainable level.
Additionally, Khan shared that discussions were held on repairing the Satkhira-Shyamnagar road and constructing a connecting road from Naniarchar upazila, Rangamati to Longdu upazila, as well as strengthening mobile courts to improve road and highway discipline.