Govt seeks self-reliance in power generation: State Minister Putul

“We want to establish a system where we do not have to depend on any other country for electricity. We do not want a situation where we get electricity if they supply it and face power cuts if they do not,” she said.

“We understand that people are suffering due to the ongoing electricity and gas shortages. But the government is working to find a lasting solution by ensuring that we can generate our own electricity,” she added.

She was speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony to distribute government grants among private orphanages and voluntary social welfare organisations in Baraigram and Gurudaspur upazilas that receive capitation grants. The programme was organised by the Baraigram Upazila administration and the Upazila Social Services Office at around 7:45pm on Monday at the Upazila Parishad auditorium.

UNO Layla Jannatul Ferdous chaired the programme.

MP Abdul Aziz, Deputy Director of the District Social Services Directorate Nur Mohammad, BNP District Member and PP Advocate Abdul Kader Mia, Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam, former joint convener of Baraigram Upazila BNP Abdus Salam Molla, Mohua Nur Kochi, widow of slain upazila chairman Sanaullah Nur Babu, and Upazila Social Services Officer Rezaul Karim also spoke at the event.

The state minister also alleged that a group was trying to create an artificial fertiliser crisis in the country.

“Dealers appointed by the fascist regime have fled. They do not lift fertiliser on time and do not sell it. That is why this artificial crisis has been created,” she said.

She said the country’s economy had been pushed into a difficult position over the past 17 years, making it challenging for the government to restore it.

“Despite everything, we are working to fulfil our commitments. We have waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers, while Agriculture Cards and Family Cards are also being distributed,” she said.