Success in power sector blankets its criticism: Planning Minister

Planning Minister MA Mannan today said the achievement in the power sector blanketed its criticism.

Power in the last few years has been in the limelight and most discussed topic, he said while speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day conference of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon and Bangladesh Environment Network today.

The conference titled "Energy, Climate Change and Sustainable Development" is taking place at the Stamford University Siddheswari campus.

 "The moment when 18 crore people come under electrification is truly delightful. Such success blanketed the criticism of the power sector," he said.

The minister said the foreign dependence in formulating the country's policy comes from foreign occupation.

Sultana Kamal, BAPA's president presided over the programme.

"We need development for us. Almost all people came under electricity which we are also proud of. But we have at the same time consider at what cost it comes," she said.

Referring to Rampal Power Plant, she said they submitted 13 international standard theses about environmental complications of the plant. But none of them was heard or considered.

Dr Nazrul Islam, founder of BEN, economist Wahiduddin Mahmud also spoke in the session.

Sharif Jamil, general secretary of BAPA moderated the session.