United News of Bangladesh

Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Wednesday directed authorities to ensure electricity connection or alternative power supply in all polling stations within a week. He gave the instruction at an inter-ministerial meeting held at Bidyut Bhaban in the afternoon to review the overall power and energy situation ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum, and the summer season. The adviser said immediate alternative arrangements should be made in areas prone to load shedding, including deployment of mobile power vans, diesel, and generators. Power connections should be arranged in all areas currently without electricity, while generators or solar power should be provided in remote locations where connections are not feasible. To ensure uninterrupted supply, round-the-clock monitoring will be conducted. Central and local monitoring teams, along with designated focal points, will oversee the process. The Chairman of the Power Development Board said necessary arrangements would be made in coordination with district administrations, while rural electricity teams will monitor power supply in local centres. The meeting also mentioned that electricity demand is expected to rise during Ramadan, summer, and the irrigation season. Citizens were urged to use electricity responsibly. Power and energy supply companies presented their plans to meet peak demand, which will be finalised in coordination with the ministry and relevant departments. Business leaders attending the meeting were requested to moderate air conditioning use, avoid excessive lighting, and cooperate with law enforcement during Ramadan. They assured full cooperation. The adviser stressed that all authorities must remain vigilant to ensure that fasting people do not face inconvenience due to power interruptions.