Energy Bangla

Although complaints of prolonged power outages in rural areas were raised in the National Parliament, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku claimed that there is currently no electricity shortage in Bangladesh.
Speaking during the question-and-answer session on the first day of the budget session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, the minister responded to various questions regarding the country’s energy situation.
Member of Parliament Mohammad Golam Rasul from Jashore-4 alleged that rural areas are still experiencing five to seven hours of load shedding, and that there is also an electricity crisis in the Noapara industrial zone.
In response, the Power Minister said, “There is no electricity shortage in Bangladesh at present. Temporary power interruptions may occur due to storms, rain, fallen trees damaging power lines, or faults in transmission and distribution systems, but it is not correct to call these incidents load shedding. Load shedding refers to power outages caused by a shortage of electricity. There is currently no electricity shortage in Bangladesh.”
Answering a question from Abul Kalam, MP from Cumilla-9, the minister said that during the summer and irrigation seasons, the country’s peak daily electricity demand is approximately 18,000 megawatts.
He added that although there is currently no shortage of electricity relative to demand, temporary power disruptions sometimes occur during peak summer demand due to shortages of primary fuel, limitations in transmission and distribution infrastructure, maintenance activities, and adverse weather conditions such as storms and rainfall.
Responding to a question from Khondaker Abu Ashfaq, MP from Dhaka-1, Tuku said that the country’s current electricity demand fluctuates between 16,500 and 17,500 megawatts, while generation ranges from 15,500 to 17,200 megawatts.
Power Generation Capacity Nearly 29,000 Megawatts
In response to a question from reserved-seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, the minister stated that Bangladesh’s grid-based power generation capacity stands at 28,919 megawatts.
He said that 32 power plants with a combined generation capacity of 7,928 megawatts are currently under construction.
In addition, the tender process is underway for 15 renewable energy-based power plants with a total capacity of 665 megawatts, which are expected to be commissioned in phases by 2030.
The minister further stated that 100 percent of the country’s population has been brought under electricity coverage, and that the government is working to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity services for all by 2030.
Jamuna Fertilizer Factory Shut Due to Gas Shortage
During the question-and-answer session, Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said, in response to a question from Faridul Kabir Talukder, MP from Jamalpur-4, that the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory cannot operate at full capacity due to a shortage of natural gas.
He added that there would be no difficulty in operating the plant once adequate gas supplies become available.
Twelve State-Owned Industrial Factories Closed
Responding to a question from Mostafizur Rahman Babul, MP from Jamalpur-3, the Industries Minister said that 12 state-owned industrial factories are currently closed. In addition, crushing operations at six state-owned sugar mills remain suspended.
In response to a question from BNP MP Sarwar Jamal Nizam regarding the industrial situation in Chattogram, the minister said that 43 industrial factories have closed over the past 17 years in five industrial estates operated by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC).
Speaker Advises Minister to Be More Careful
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed advised State Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud to exercise greater caution in the future after a parliamentary commitment regarding the resumption of gas supply to the Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory was not fulfilled.
The Speaker made the remarks following a supplementary question from Rumin Farhana, MP from Brahmanbaria-2.
Rumin Farhana said, “Whether we call it load shedding or maintenance-related outages, the reality is that rural areas often remain without electricity for 10 to 12 hours.”
In response, the Energy Minister said, “I do not agree that people are without electricity for 10 to 12 hours.”
He added, “You are asking for electricity, and at the same time you want the fertilizer factory to operate. We have a gas shortage. Therefore, we must keep our power plants running, and that is why we are unable to provide gas connections there.”
The minister said that gas supplies would be provided to Ashuganj once the overall gas supply situation improves.
“Over the last 17 years, no drilling was carried out. We are the first government to begin drilling operations. We hope, God willing, that we will find gas. Once gas is available, we will be able to supply it to Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory and all other fertilizer factories,” he said.
Following the minister’s remarks, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed reminded him of his earlier commitment.
“Honourable Minister, you had stated in Parliament that gas would be supplied from the first day of the month. Apparently, that has not happened,” the Speaker said.
Addressing ministers afterward, the Speaker added, “Before making commitments in Parliament, you should carefully study drilling prospects and all other relevant factors. Only then should you make such commitments before Parliament.”