Adviser orders undisrupted power supply at polling stations

Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today asked the officials concerned to arrange electricity connections to all polling stations nationwide within the next seven days to ensure uninterrupted power during the national election slated for 12 February. 

"Within the next week, power connections will have to be confirmed for all polling stations," he said at a meeting on electricity generation and supply during Ramadan, the 13th parliamentary election and the summer at Bydut Bhaban.

He said that in case of any power disruption, officials and technicians concerned must take immediate steps to address the problems.

Senior officials, heads of different power entities and corporations were present at the meeting.

The Election Commission (EC) on 4 January sent a letter to the Power Division seeking steps to install a power supply system at 325 polling stations, which currently have no power connections.

"There is no electricity connection at 325 polling stations among the 42,761 polling stations that have been set up for the referendum and the 13th parliamentary election," the EC letter said.

Energy Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan ordered to take necessary measures to provide power connection or alternative supply in all polling stations within a week. The adviser gave this instruction at an inter-ministerial meeting held at Bidyut Bhaban. 

He also said that immediate alternative power arrangements should be made in those areas where there is a possibility of load shedding. 

"An adequate number of mobile power vans and diesel-generators should be kept ready. Arrangements should be made for connections in all areas where there is no power connection. Generators or solar power should be arranged in remote areas where it is not possible to provide electricity", he said.

He said, "To ensure an uninterrupted power supply, round-the-clock monitoring should be maintained. Central monitoring, local monitoring teams, and specific focal points will have to be kept ready."

Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) informed the meeting that necessary arrangements will be made to ensure power supply in each area in coordination with the district administration. 

The meeting was informed that the electricity demand will increase during the upcoming month of Ramadan, summer and the irrigation season.
 
 In addition, businessmen were requested to be moderate in using AC to save electricity during the holy month of Ramadan.

All the business leaders assured of extending their full cooperation. 

The adviser instructed everyone, including the Power and Energy Division, to be vigilant so that the fasting people do not suffer.