[ad_1]
Opposition MPs yesterday slammed Minister of Electricity, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid over the government’s alleged failure to manage the electricity crisis and widespread corruption in the sector.
“For the leader of the Awami League, the power sector has become a billionaire-making factory. I have information and a list. If necessary, I will send them to the minister of power,” BNP MP Harunur Rashid told parliament.
He made the comments while taking part in a discussion on the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Bill, 2022.
Calling for an open discussion in the House, the lawmaker said, “Let the nation know how the government got this disaster for the last 15 years.”
He questioned the “indemnity” given to the power plant for quick rent. He also wanted to know if bringing electricity from India which cost thousands of crores of taka was justified.
“We must not forget that India is causing us misery in various sectors. You are gradually relying on imported power from India. The power sector is at risk because of its dependence on imports.”
Gonoforum MP Mokabbir Khan said the power sector is in distress.
“Evil forces have taken over this sector. Listening to the minister of state’s speech, it seems to me that he is working as a spokesperson for those forces.”
Jatiya Party MP Rowshan Ara Mannan said the gas crisis has worsened.
“The situation would not have been like this if we had arranged gas extraction. Gas is now not available for cooking in Dhaka during the day,” he said.
BNP MP Rumeen Farhana said that it does not matter what the capacity of the country’s power plants is, but the reality is the load shedding.
He said massive looting is taking place in the form of fast-rent power projects that are being given impunity.
“Rental power plants are run to shut down the government to give unbelievable money to a few individuals,” the MP said.
In his response, Minister of State Nasrul said indemnity has been given to the rental power plant and the people “are enjoying the benefits of this facility”.
He said if the BNP MP submits a written question to the parliament, he will give a written answer.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Bill, 2022, was passed to expedite the exploration of oil, gas and mineral resources in the country.
The new law will replace the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation Ordinance, 1985, which was declared void by the court when it was promulgated during the military dictatorship regime.
The House passed the bill by voice vote.
[ad_2]
Source link
