TBT Report
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid MP said, “We attach great importance to regional cooperation in the power and energy sector. We are already importing electricity from India. We have taken up the process of importing electricity from Nepal and are in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding to import electricity from Bhutan in the future. We have already significantly increased our power generation capacity and fulfilled the government’s commitment to 100% electrification in the country.”
The Minister was speaking at the 3rd meeting of BIMSTEC Energy Ministers held in Dhaka on Wednesday. He also mentioned Bangladesh’s commitment to establish BIMSTEC as a dynamic, sensitive and effective regional organization to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people of the region. He said BIMSTEC was growing in importance in light of combined GDP growth, economic strength, socio-economic and geographical conditions and demographic dividends. The Minister said that some regions of the world have been able to achieve their economic development through win-win cooperation and mutual respect. We too will be able to overcome the natural disasters, poverty and other challenges of the region through regional cooperation. That is why we have to work together to turn challenges into opportunities. The state minister said a stable power and energy system is very important for sustainable development. He emphasized on the need for efficient and quality power management and expansion of renewable energy in the region to protect the environment.
He said BIMSTEC has created a link between South Asia and Southeast Asia. We can establish a peaceful and prosperous Bay of Bengal through development through proper use of natural and human resources.
The state minister said, “We are developing infrastructure including construction of power plants to set up industrial establishments in different parts of the country including “Dhaka-Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar district.” We have placed utmost importance on the import of FSR units in Maheshkhali to meet the demand for gas including construction of LNG terminal and cross border trade of electricity to ensure energy security in the region.
The use of Bangladesh and Sri Lankan ports for multilateral trade could open up new possibilities in the region. He requested for setting up an e-library at the BIMSTEC Secretariat and for arranging exchange of experience and professional training for engineers and senior officers.