Dhaka, Bangladesh (CU)_ In a major attempt to tackle the ongoing global energy crisis, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina revealed her plans to implement zone-based load shedding for a limited period of time in order to conserve fuel for power generation. According to media reports, the prime minister stated that the country had experienced 8 to 10 hours of power outages in the past. However, since entering office in 2009, the administration has expanded energy generation to make sure that every family has an uninterrupted power supply.
While addressing a public event held in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the founding anniversary of the President’s Guard Regiment (PGR), Hasina stated that there would be no indiscriminate load shedding and that power cut timings and areas would be publicized in advance. She stated that the recent global economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in a rise in fuel oil costs and a shortage of electricity in several nations.
The PM stated that as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, diesel, fuel oil, and liquefied natural gas prices had risen significantly over time in Bangladesh. Hasina underlined her appeal to sustain severity and increase savings in preparation for potential future crises. She also underlined her appeal to cultivate every inch of land and use every available source of water.
According to the media, the PM stated, “All empty places have to be utilized for production, whatever it is. We have to try to produce our own food to reduce pressure on the market and make a profit through selling the surplus foods”. She stressed that every individual, family, and organization must take this effort. Hasina stated that several nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are experiencing greater inflation due to power shortages.
According to the media, the PM said that the government succeeded in its initiatives to eradicate poverty, gave electricity to all homes, and established programs to ensure no one is homeless. She concluded saying, “We have attained the status of a developing nation and we have to go farther. We have adopted plans like Delta Plan 2100 for a better future for the next generations”.
