State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit today stressed the need for careful planning and evidence-based selection of projects to prevent the waste of public money. He made the remarks during two separate meetings at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
In the first meeting, a committee was formed to recommend measures to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the country's energy and electricity generation, distribution, and demand management systems at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. The other meeting focused on the selection and prioritization of unapproved projects under the Power Division.
During the meeting at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the state minister emphasized the importance of mapping the country's energy and mineral resources. He said Bangladesh needs a comprehensive, data-driven, and geographically accurate map identifying the location and types of mineral resources across the country.
Amit instructed officials to develop a single, modern, and integrated framework by consolidating fragmented block maps, geological surveys, and other scattered data currently held by different agencies. He noted that having a complete picture of the country's underground resources and their potential would facilitate better coordination among government agencies and enable more effective planning and implementation.
Addressing senior officials of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the state minister stressed the need for a clear assessment of regional energy demand and supply across the country. He said existing constraints must be identified without delay and appropriate measures determined promptly. He also underscored the importance of ensuring the proper utilization of the country's natural resources.
During the discussion on the selection and prioritization of unapproved projects under the Power Division, the state minister witnessed presentations by concerned officials regarding the proposed projects and emphasized that each project should be evaluated based on its justification and its potential contribution to meeting public needs. Referring to the waste of public money caused in the past by unplanned and unnecessary projects, he said such practices must not be repeated. He instructed officials to present comprehensive data and evidence in support of every proposed project. He also directed them to take all necessary measures, as quickly as possible, to strengthen the capacity of the power and energy sector.
