DHAKA: State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that power and gas connections will not be given anymore without the government-approved and planned industrial areas.

He said that the electricity and gas lines of the factories those have established without any permission and approval in outside the industrial area will be cut off. In that case, those factories will have to think about moving to the planned industrial area.

The State Minister said this while talking to reporters after the conclusion of a session of the district administration conference in the cabinet division of the Secretariat on Monday (July 15), 

Nasrul Hamid said, “The Deputy Commissioners (DCs) expressed satisfaction over power and energy. But there is a problem with the electricity pre-paid meter. This is because of the introduction of new technology. We'll see it”.

In response to a question ‘what industry can be established in the economic zone’, he said, “We have economic zone or BSCIC industrial area; you can establish industrial factories there. However, electricity and gas connections can not be given anywhere except government-approved industries.

“The Prime Minister gave directive to deputy commissioners on Sunday (July 14), not to approve establishment of industry everywhere. Today, we have told the DCs - it will not be possible to give electricity and gas connections except planned industrial areas”, Nasrul Hamid said.

Responding to a question about the electricity bill, she said, more than Tk 1,400 crore electricity bills remained unpaid in government offices. 

About Tk 8/9 thousands crores remained due as bills of oil, gas and electricity. Here the cabinet secretary said that the Prime Minister has instructed that those who do not pay utility bills will face connections cut off.

BDST: 1430 HRS, JULY 15, 2019
RS/SMS