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State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit has stressed the need for careful planning and evidence-based project selection to prevent the waste of public funds.
He made the remarks on Thursday during two separate meetings at the Bangladesh Secretariat. One meeting reviewed measures to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the country's energy and electricity generation, distribution and demand management systems, while the other focused on the selection and prioritisation of unapproved projects under the Power Division.
At the meeting of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Amit emphasised the need to develop a comprehensive map of Bangladesh's energy and mineral resources. He said fragmented block maps, geological surveys and other data held by different agencies should be integrated into a single, modern database to provide a complete picture of the country's underground resources and their potential.
The state minister also called for a clear assessment of regional energy demand and supply, urging officials to identify existing constraints without delay and take appropriate measures. He further stressed the importance of ensuring the proper utilisation of the country's natural resources.
During discussions on the selection and prioritisation of unapproved projects under the Power Division, Amit reviewed presentations by officials and said every project should be evaluated on the basis of its justification and its potential contribution to meeting public needs.
Referring to the waste of public funds caused by unplanned and unnecessary projects in the past, he said such practices must not be repeated. He instructed officials to submit comprehensive data and evidence in support of every proposed project.
The state minister also directed officials to take all necessary steps to strengthen the capacity of the country's power and energy sector as quickly as possible.
Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and senior officials of the Power Division and its affiliated organisations attended the meetings.
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