‘Uninterrupted power during Ramadan’
Staff Reporter :
Newly appointed Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said that despite “massive challenges,” ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during Ramadan and the irrigation season will be his top priority.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on his first day in office on Wednesday the minister said immediate attention would be given to managing power demand over the next critical weeks.
“Ramadan and irrigation are our top concerns right now. Once we manage these successfully, we will move on to formulating longer-term plans,” he said.
Tuku, who previously served as state minister for power and energy between 2001 and 2006, acknowledged the complexity of the sector and the scale of responsibility he has taken on.
“Challenges exist at every level in the power and energy sector. Accepting this responsibility itself is a major challenge,” he noted.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a warning from the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA), which recently cautioned that power generation could be disrupted unless at least 60 percent of the outstanding Tk13,000–Tk14,000 crore owed to independent producers is paid.
The association has urged the interim government to clear a significant portion of the dues, warning of possible load-shedding during Ramadan and the summer months if payments are delayed.
Reacting to the statement, Tuku said such comments amount to pressure tactics. “If BIPPA has made this kind of statement, it can be seen as an attempt to blackmail the new government,” he said.
Earlier, while addressing officials of the ministry, the minister sought their cooperation, reminding them of his previous experience in the sector.
“I have worked in this ministry before, and I will need your full support to ensure that its operations run smoothly,” he said.
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the sector, Tuku said he has assumed office at a particularly difficult time.
“It is hard to predict what tomorrow holds, but one thing is certain—nothing functions without electricity,” he said.
He assured that the government would make every possible effort, within its capacity, to prevent load-shedding during Ramadan.
“We must be confident that we can pass the holy month without disruption. We will do everything we can to maintain a reliable power supply,” he added.
The minister also emphasised professionalism over political considerations in running the ministry.
“I do not want to operate this ministry with politically affiliated individuals. Our priority should be working together in the interest of the country,” he said.