Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that gas supply will be increased from Saturday to address the ongoing crisis in industrial factories.
Fouzul shared the information during an on-site visit to various industrial establishments in Ashulia on Saturday morning to assess the electricity and energy situation.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the office of Dhaka Palli Bidyut Samity-1, he said: "The problem could have been resolved a day or two earlier, but due to rough seas, it was not possible to send gas from the ship to the main transmission line. That issue has now been resolved. From today (Saturday), gas supply will increase. Already, supply has risen by 50mmcfd, and it will further increase by another 100 to 150mmcfd."
In response to a question about the ongoing protests by Palli Bidyut Samity employees, Fouzul said: "A meeting will be held tomorrow (Sunday) to discuss the relationship between Palli Bidyut and REB. A committee has been formed under the leadership of the vice-chancellor of Brac University. The committee will present its final report tomorrow. Once the report is finalized, we will take the necessary steps."
Commenting that processions and rallies do not solve problems but rather complicate them, the adviser said: "We are working on these issues, and they will be resolved soon. There is no benefit in holding rallies and processions. They only cause harm. Previously, protestors shut down power supply at around 26–27 locations, thinking it would help. But that was an act of sabotage, which forced the government to take certain measures."
Regarding the inspection visit, the adviser said: "We came to assess the electricity and energy situation in industrial factories on the ground. First, we will go to Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and observe the situation there. After that, we will monitor the electricity and energy supply situation in the industrial areas of Chandra, Mirzapur, Kaliakoir, Valuka, and finally Tongi."
At the time, senior officials from the concerned ministries, Petrobangla, and other departments were present with the adviser.
