PM stresses efficient use of existing infrastructure for power, energy security

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (9 August) stressed the maximum and efficient use of existing infrastructure to strengthen Bangladesh's power and energy security, alongside ensuring transparency and accountability in project management, regular maintenance and long-term integrated energy planning.

He also emphasised the need to diversify energy sources.

"Alongside meeting the country's growing electricity demand, we must diversify our energy sources. Economic viability, environmental impact and the long-term interests of the people must be given the highest priority in power generation and the operation of large-scale infrastructure," he said.

The prime minister made the remarks during a visit to the 1,200MW Matarbari Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar, reports UNB.

He also stressed the integrated development of power and energy facilities, the deep-sea port and related industrial infrastructure centred on Matarbari, saying their planned and efficient utilisation would play an important role in ensuring energy security, promoting industrialisation and expanding economic activity.

Tarique arrived at the power plant's helipad by helicopter at 10:45am and received a detailed briefing at the project's administrative building on the plant's current status, power generation and operations, fuel supply and management, operational efficiency, maintenance, safety measures and related infrastructure. Officials also briefed him on future plans.

The plant consists of two 600MW units, with a total generation capacity of 1,200MW, and uses modern ultra-supercritical technology. 

The project includes the power plant, port facilities for coal transportation, transmission lines, access roads and other related infrastructure. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) provided loan assistance for the project.

The prime minister later visited different project facilities and proposed sites, including the site of a proposed 70MW solar power plant. Officials briefed him on the solar project's plans and potential generation capacity.

He was also shown sites earmarked for a proposed LNG-based power plant, a petrochemical project and a new refinery. 

He inspected infrastructure related to LPG, LNG and coal terminals and sought details from officials about the plans and future use of the facilities, giving directives on various issues.

Tarique also visited the coal jetty, from where he observed the Matarbari deep-sea port, LNG terminal and other power plant facilities. Officials briefed him on infrastructure needed for coal transportation and unloading and its integrated operation with the power plant.

He also visited the proposed temporary LPG jetty and sites earmarked for future construction of Units 3 and 4 of the coal-fired power plant.

Later, the prime minister visited flood-hit Baharchhara in Banshkhali and handed over keys to new tin-roofed houses to families affected by recent floods, inaugurating the government's rehabilitation programme, his deputy press secretary Jahidul Islam Rony told UNB.

He spoke to affected residents, enquired about their families and planted a mahogany sapling, Rony said. He later attended a rehabilitation programme at Banshkhali High School and College ground.

Banshkhali and several other remote and low-lying areas of Chattogram were inundated from 7 July following heavy rain and hill runoff.

Later in the day, addressing a rehabilitation programme for flood-affected people at Hathazari Government College ground, Tarique warned that no one would be allowed to "play with the fate" of the people or the country.

"There are some political parties in the country that are spreading confusion and trying to obstruct development activities for the people. The people of Bangladesh must make this decision today," he said. 

"We cannot allow anyone to play with the fate of the people of Bangladesh. We cannot allow anyone to play with the fate of the country. Now is the time to build the country, now is the time to shape the fate of the nation," he added.

Meanwhile, Tarique, also BNP chairman, was scheduled to meet Chattogram's grassroots leaders and activists last night, marking his first such interaction with the party's grassroots since taking office.

Nazimur Rahman, general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, told TBS that the meeting was planned in line with the prime minister's schedule.

"Initially, there has been discussion about holding the meeting in a hall at the Radisson Blu. Designated leaders and activists from Chattogram's three organisational units will attend," he said.