Energy Advisor Warns of Severe Power Crisis During Ramadan

Staff Reporter

Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, the advisor for power, energy, and mineral resources, has expressed concerns about a severe power crisis during the upcoming Ramadan. To address the issue, he has issued strict directives to ensure air conditioners in secretariats, offices, banks, homes, and mosques are not set below 25 degrees Celsius.

Speaking to journalists after a session with the electricity and energy division during the second day of the District Commissioner (DC) conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday, he elaborated on the situation.

Fauzul Kabir stated that discussions with DCs covered road repairs, electricity, energy, and railways. He highlighted resource constraints, noting, “In 2021, the reserves stood at $42 billion. Now, we have $20 billion, with the rest siphoned out.”

On managing load-shedding during Ramadan, he emphasized vigilance and reducing waste across all sectors. Agricultural irrigation alone requires an additional 2,000 megawatts of electricity, while many mosques leave fans and lights on after Tarawih prayers. Steps will be taken to inform imams and muezzins to conserve electricity.

The advisor also announced energy-saving measures starting from the Secretariat itself. He urged households to avoid unnecessary use of fans and lights. A special team from the electricity department will monitor compliance, and legal actions will be taken against violators.