Power ministry wants special security steps for three mega-plants

The Power Ministry has sought special security for three mega power projects and to ensure safety and security of the foreign technical persons and investors in the wake of twin terrorist attacks.
State Minister for Power, Energy and mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid sought this security from the Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal on Monday. Hamid sat with the Home Minister to discuss the issues and apprised him of the necessary to deploy extra police force and set up police camp at the plant sites as all these three projects are "A" category Key Point Installation (KPI).
"Rampal, Matarbari and Payra power plants are top of the list where special security is needed for the protection of foreign nationals," a senior official said.
During the meeting Nasrul Hamid urged the Home Minister to enhance security in all power stations-grid sub stations and power offices across the country in the wake of terrorist attacks.
Earlier, the Home Ministry took the same measures for the state-run companies for electricity generation, supply, transmission and distribution.
An assessment was done there of the existing security arrangements at the power plants and substations, said Mohammad Hossain, Director General of Power Cell of the ministry.
And then instructions were given to strengthen security measures, he added.
Security measures have already been beefed up at state-run power stations and substations following the terror attacks at Holey Artisan Bakery on the night of July 1 and near Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj on Eid day, said the companies' officials.
The companies asked their officials and employees to ensure that their staff put on identity cards, wear uniforms and maintain records of visitors.
There are 103 power plants and some 1,000 substations in Bangladesh, according to the Power Ministry.