Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today said the government aims to meet 20 percent of the country's total electricity demand through solar power generation, taking effective steps to achieve the target during its current tenure.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a meeting on law and order, anti-corruption and anti-narcotics drives, good governance, transparency, accountability, and the coordination of overall government development activities at the conference room of the Natore Deputy Commissioner's office.
The minister said that by generating eco-friendly solar power, individuals can meet their own electricity needs and gain financial benefits by supplying surplus electricity to the national grid.
"We are working to advance solar power generation. If we are re-elected for another term, we will be able to meet 40 percent of the country's electricity demand through solar energy," he added.
Highlighting the global energy scenario, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood noted that the war situation has disrupted energy markets worldwide, making it difficult to control fuel prices.
He revealed that the government has provided Tk 43,000 crore in subsidies to the energy sector over the past six months, which has created challenges in funding regular development and social welfare programs.
He further mentioned that the government is working to establish a sustainable energy management system in the country, including drilling new gas wells. Positive results have already been obtained from two gas fields, and the government is also working to install solar power in the agricultural sector.
Expressing concern over the spread of narcotics, the energy minister stressed the need to protect the promising future generation. He urged parents to take responsibility at home and instructed officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations to play an active role in eradicating drugs to build a livable country.
Turning to political issues, the minister said that Sheikh Hasina established fascism in the country over the last 17 years by misusing the spirit of the Liberation War.
He asserted that while Awami League leaders and activists had fled to save themselves during the 1971 Liberation War, the people of the country had joined the war following the courageous declaration by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Chaired by Natore Deputy Commissioner Shumoni Aktar, the meeting was also addressed, among others, by Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Advocate M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu.
