More time needed to resolve energy crisis: Commerce Minister

Industry, Commerce, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir has said that more time will be needed to overcome the country's energy crisis. He said the current electricity and energy situation cannot be resolved immediately. It will take time to build the necessary infrastructure, and everyone must accept this transitional period.

The minister made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and reception for family members of martyrs and July fighters organised by the district administration at the Sylhet District Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday, August 5, to mark the July Mass Uprising Day.

Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said the current state of the country's energy sector is the result of 17 years of mismanagement. Although Bangladesh relies heavily on imported LNG, necessary storage and gasification infrastructure were not developed in the past. As a result, load-shedding occurs for several hours every two to three days.

He said it would take some time to normalise the electricity situation, keep industries running and ensure new investment. He called on everyone to accept this as a transitional period.

Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said if accountability and responsibility towards people can be ingrained in the system, transforming the country is not difficult. Development is a collective effort, and the social strength of the youth forged during the July movement must be harnessed for the country's development.

He further informed that Sylhet currently has two BSCIC industrial estates. Work on a new BSCIC industrial estate spread over approximately 187 acres will begin this year, which will play a key role in developing small and medium industries and creating employment.

The minister also expressed hope that the Sylhet-Dhaka highway would be upgraded to six lanes and the Sylhet-Chattogram road would be completed within the next year. He also said plans are underway to complete the Akhaura-Sylhet railway line and the Sylhet-Chattogram rail link within the same timeframe.

During the discussion, July fighters raised complaints of harassment and disrespect at various government offices. July fighter Liton Ahmed said no one joined the movement for allowances. Rather, gazetted fighters are facing various threats. He also criticised the slow pace of investigation into July-related cases.

Meanwhile, family members of martyrs became emotional while recalling their loved ones. The father of martyr Pavel called for checking on the families of martyrs and requested the minister to visit the graves of seven martyrs in Golapganj.

Jabur Ahmed, brother of martyred journalist ATM Turab, said a procession was brought out from the Collectorate Mosque on July 19, which was led by today's chief guest Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir. He recalled the humiliation faced while recovering Turab's body.

The event was presided over by Sylhet District Administrator Md Abdullah Al Mamun. Among those present were Sylhet-3 MP MA Malik, Sylhet-6 MP Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, and Divisional Commissioner Md Mashiur Rahman.

At the event, 14 families of martyrs were honoured and provided with financial assistance.