Power, Energy and Mineral Resources minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today spoke at the Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited office in Dinajpur. Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, May 12, 2026 (BSS)- Power, Energy and Mineral Resources minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today said during the past 17 years, a fascist government in power neglected domestic resources and increased dependence on energy imports from abroad. 

He said that it would have been quite possible to ensure energy security by utilizing the country’s own resources during the period.

He made these remarks while responding to journalists after a meeting at the Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited office in Dinajpur this afternoon. 

Social Welfare Minister Prof AZM Zahid Hossain and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit were present.
Senior officials of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant, Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited, and Madhyapara Hard Rock Mine authorities attended the meeting. 

Dinajpur-5 lawmaker AZM Rezanul Haque and local leaders of the district BNP also participated in this important meeting.

The three ministers discussed in detail the current production status and various technical issues of the Barapukuria Coal Mine and Power Plant located in Parbatipur upazila of Dinajpur. 

Special emphasis was placed on restarting the two idle units of the coal-based thermal power plant. They stressed increasing power generation through proper utilization of coal extracted from the mine.

Later, the ministers visited important sites of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant and coal mine sites in Durgapur upazila and Madhyapara Hard Rock Mine in Parbatipur upazila of the district. 

A views-exchange meeting was held with mine authorities regarding the current situation and potential for increasing production at the Madhyapara Hard Rock Mine.

Senior officials concerned were present.