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ELECTRICITY is a major driving force of a modern economy and Bangladesh is not an exception from this. Practically, electricity production and the need for investment in this sector have been largely ignored over the years. Today's electricity crisis is the cumulative effect of the negligence and carelessness of the government machinery. This problem cannot be solved in five or ten years. There has to be a long term plan for this particular sector.
As Bangladesh has been inviting foreign investors in its energy sector such as petroleum and gas, it should take the similar steps for enhancing electricity production. During the summer, this crisis usually increases many folds. Not only it makes the people suffer, it tells upon all economic and social activities of the country. It's surprising that the government is going ahead with a secret plot to spend millions of Taka on purchasing new aircraft without a proper long term vision and mission. It's a suicidal decision. If the government wants to help the country in the true sense it should do something for enhancing electricity and water supply. The present government has spent quite a large amount in hard earned currencies on many fancy and meaningless projects such as city beatification before the SAARC summit. Unfortunately it did not do anything praiseworthy for the country's essential sectors such as electricity.
The government should immediately hand over electricity production and supply to private investors. As long as this sector will remain within the grip of the corrupt officials, it will keep on limping. Let this crisis of electricity be an eye opener for the government. Hopefully, this will create a positive impact on the inflow of foreign investment.
Mohammad Shahid Jamal
Markham Road
Scarborough On, Canada
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