The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed on Wednesday directed the ministries concerned to go for short-term solution to meet country's increasing demand of power and gas.

Dr Fakhruddin gave the directives when a presentation was made at his initiative on behalf of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at his office this afternoon. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Prof M Tamim apprised the Council of Advisers about the latest power and gas situation of the country at the presentation meeting.

Members of the Council of Advisers, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser, Cabinet Secretary, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser and Secretaries concerned attended the meeting.

After the meeting, while briefing newsmen, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Minaim told that the Chief Adviser asked the ministry to make the presentation on energy and power situation and steps to be taken to improve the existing condition. The presentation stated that the country is now producing 1800 mm cft gas against the required amount of 2000 mm cft. It said that the shortage of gas is due to limitation of production and transmission. Regarding power, the presentation said that shortage of about 500 megawatts electricity was existing due to shortage of gas.

The meeting held a threadbare discussion on the presentation focused on short, mid and long term programmes, government preparedness and private initiatives as well in power and energy sector.

In his directives, the Chief Adviser asked the authorities concerned to identify the bottlenecks for the shortage of power and energy.

Dr Fakhruddin emphasised on more coordination between the Ministries of Power and Energy to improve the overall power and energy situation in the country.

He asked the authorities concerned to find out ways on how to raise the extraction of gas at the Bibiana gas field.