Worst ever power crisis in Bangladesh

by Special Correspondent
June 8, 2011

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1497/worst-ever-power-crisis-in-bangladesh

In the history of Bangladesh, power crisis has reached to the worst-ever level especially during the hot summer days, when country's average temperature is 31 to 35 degree Celsius.

Ruling party made specific pledge to the nation in their electoral mandate promising resolution of the power crisis maximum within three years of being elected to power. But, meanwhile more than two years have already crossed, while the nation is pressed into increased sufferings every day due to acute power shortage thus causing 9-10 hour load shedding every day in the cities, while 15-18 hours in the rural areas. There is no specific commitment or statement from the government or the authorities concerned on any measures taken by the government in resolving the ever-increasing power crisis in the country.

It may be mentioned here that, few years back, when Bangladesh Nationalist Party was in power, mass people at a village named Kansat started demonstration against the government due to acute power crisis. The government faced tremendous political turmoil following the Kansat incident. Political analysts fear break out of Kansat-like mass demonstrations in various parts of Bangladesh, during this summer, which may be extremely difficult for the government to tackle. The analysts are expressing concern at the safety and security of the employees with various power stations and power distribution companies in the country, who may become the first victim of any mass protest.

Industrial sectors in Bangladesh are already suffering due to extreme power shortage and the government is reluctant in providing new connections to industrial or domestic outlets, thus greatly hampering country's industrial growth during the current government. According to various reports, a large number of medium and small scale industrial units in the country were forced to shut down following severe shortage of electricity. Hundreds of mid and small level industrial entrepreneurs turned virtually bankrupt as their industrial plants mostly remained shut-down due to chronic load-shedding in the country. Considering such adversity, none of the foreign investors are showing interest in Bangladesh since 2008. As a result, since the current government came in power, there had not been any mentionable foreign investment in the industrial sector in Bangladesh.

The current government, even months after assuming power had been putting blame on the previous government for the existing power crisis in the country. But, when they also failed to address this issue during past two plus years, most of the policymakers of the ruling party are remaining tight lipped in commenting on this extremely important issue. The energy ministry, which is responsible for the power sector is reportedly frustrated in seeing no hope of any resolution to the crisis in next several months.

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