Power shortage to ease next summer: State Minister

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has expressed optimism that the country's power shortage will ease significantly next summer. He said the government is providing various incentives to entrepreneurs for solar power generation, which will enable the country to generate at least 3,000 megawatts of solar power before the next summer.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with head teachers, education officials and chairmen of governing bodies on quality and ethical education and ensuring cleanliness, organised by the district administration at the Jessore PTI Auditorium on Saturday.

Referring to the increase in fuel oil prices, the state minister said, "Saudi Arabia is floating on oil. Then why did fuel prices increase there? Why did oil and gas prices increase in the United States? Prices are rising in the global market. How long can a government like ours keep absorbing this without adjustment?"

He added that the government is still adjusting considering the people's welfare. For this, along with developing a sense of moderation within ourselves, we must also teach children about moderate consumption.

Addressing teachers, he said the foundation of moral education must be built from the primary level. Along with ensuring cleanliness and quality sanitation in educational institutions, regular interactions with parents must be held to prevent child marriage. No student will be forced to drop out due to financial constraints. The government will take responsibility for them, he added.

The state minister also issued a stern warning to leaders and activists of his own party, saying no interference or anarchy would be tolerated in educational institutions using party or political identity. If anyone attempts to do so, organisational action will be taken first, followed by legal action.

Special guest Delwar Hossain Khokon, administrator of the district council, spoke at the event, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Asheq Hasan. Others who spoke included Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Khan Masum Billah, District Education Officer Mahfuz Hossain, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Shahriar Haque, District Primary Education Officer Alamgir Kabir, and BAF Shaheen School and College Principal Group Captain Mezbah Uddin, along with other teachers.