Growth of mills, factories responsible for power shortage: PM
Khaleda said development is a continuous process.
She said that the tempo of development activities under her government generated newer investment, growth of mills and factories as well as other productive activities, which forced a shortfall of electricity needed for fuelling these expanding operations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The PM made the call while inaugurating the three-day national convention 2006 and 30th council session of the diploma engineers at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) headquarters at Kakrail. About 5,000 diploma engineers from across the country are attending the national convention.
"If continuity is hampered, not only that development stops but the country falls back. Such phenomenon happens when we don't remain in power. We have elevated the country to a strong base during the last four and a half years through preparing roadmap of development," Khaleda told the inaugural session of convention of diploma engineers.
Appreciating this year's theme of the diploma engineers'convention 'Electricity for Life and Development' as timely, she said it is unfortunate but true that the power sector remained neglected for want of correct policy guidelines in the past.
But they have taken multifaceted initiatives for development of the power sector as well as adopted short, mid and long-term plans for its development despite resource constraints.
Pointing out enough scope for private sector to play their role in this sector, Khaleda requested private entrepreneurs to come forward to set up small power plants to cater an ever-growing demand for electricity.
She said big industries and business establishments will have to have their own arrangement of electricity and, at same time, all have to exercise restraint in electricity usage.
"Electrical engineers and staff of power department have to remain active in preventing misuse of electricity and reducing system loss," the prime minister said about what is known as a chronic vice affecting the sector.
She said several thousand new mills, factories and industries have been set up in the country during the last four and a half years along with development in all sectors, which hiked the demand for electricity.
Khaleda said necessary supply of electricity will have to be ensured for agricultural activities and factories and industries through planned and proper use of electricity. "It should be kept in mind that agriculture and industry are a key foundation of the economy."
Saying that successes of her government have been appreciated at home and abroad as well as regional and international forums, Khaleda urged the diploma engineers to make their contribution to development from their respective position.
She said only government's effort and initiative are not enough to advance the country towards economic emancipation and prosperity. She said overall national development is not possible without spontaneous participation of all professionals and sections of people.
So, her government has given importance to the role of professionals and technologists in all spheres in running the government.
Khaleda said they will succeed in alleviating poverty through combined efforts of all, including professionals and technologists as it is the country's main problem.
The country can march forward quickly in attaining real self-reliance, as political freedom is meaningless without economic self-reliance, she said.
Communications Minister Nazmul Huda, Housing and Public Works Minister Mirza Abbas, IDEB General Secretary Kazi Nazrul Islam and its vice-president Asfaque Ahmed also spoke at the inaugural session with IDEB President Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan in the chair.
Earlier, Khaleda unveiled the plaque of the newly constructed IDEB Central Bhaban complex.
Addressing the inaugural function, Khaleda said the present century has appeared with multifaceted challenges and the country is facing tough competition in all fields including science and technology, production and marketing.
The country would have to be more active to attain success in these fields through combined and successful application of merit, labour, sprit, skill and innovation, she said.
She also mentioned the contribution of diploma engineers in economic development and poverty alleviation through their involvement in various sectors like agriculture, industry, communication, power, telecommunications and ICT.
Listing a number of schemes and already done projects by the government to technologically develop the nation, she said the government has given special thrust on technical education
considering its importance in national development.
Responding to the demands of Diploma Engineers, Khaleda said the government will examine their demands and meet them again in this regard