The newly appointed State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, has described ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during Ramadan and the irrigation season as a significant challenge.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon after his first meeting with officials at the ministry, he said maintaining a continuous power supply would be a major test for the government in the coming months.
Responding to a question about concerns raised by the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association over the continuation of electricity generation if outstanding payments are not cleared, he said that any such remarks would amount to “blackmailing” the new government.
Asked about the power purchase agreement with Adani Power of India, he declined to comment in detail, saying: “We will discuss those matters later. Today is my first day.”
Earlier in the day, shortly after 1pm, Mr Tuku arrived at his office at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. He later exchanged views with senior officials from both the Power and Energy Divisions at a meeting in the adjacent conference room, where a formal introduction session was also held.
Following the meeting, he left his office to attend a Cabinet meeting, accompanied by State Minister Anindya Islam Amit.