DHAKA, July 23, 2018 (BSS) – State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral
Resource Nasrul Hamid today said steps have been taken to bring northern
region, especially Rangpur, under smooth power supply within one month.
“We have enough electricity. Power is being supplied from Sirajganj to
Rangpur. Due to the unexpected incident, the northern region of Bangladesh
may experience low voltage problems,” he told reporters at his ministry
office here.
The State Minister came up with the remarks after disappearing of 142,000
tonnes of coal from Barapukuria coal mine, which forced to shut down the only
coal-based Barapukuria power plant yesterday night.
“We request our consumers to keep patience for a month as necessary steps
have been taken. We are sorry. People of northern area, particularly Rangpur,
would face temporary crisis of power,” he said.
Replying to a query, Nasrul said the Prime Minister has already directed
the authorities concerned to probe into the entire incident of the
Barapukuria coal mine as the incident was being occurred from the very
beginning of 2005.
“The investigation will find all the people involved in the incident. The
Prime Minister urges all to keep patience for a short time,” he said.
Replying to another question, he said the state-run Petrobangla
(Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation) failed to perform its due role
in monitoring Barapukuria coal mine and its stock.
Nasrul said directive has been given to Barapukuria Coal Mining Company
Ltd (BCMCL) for filing a case against the people involved in the incident.
He said an investigation report was submitted to the ministry in this
regard.