15 lakh new power connections by 2018

Aiming to expand country's economic activities and generate new employments, the government has launched a power sector project to provide new electricity connections to some 15 lakh clients under rural electrification scheme.

"The government is determined to bring all the villages under electricity coverage to upgrade the life-standard of rural people," said Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.

He said setting up of small and cottage industries would be encouraged in rural areas by ensuring power connection, which would also generate more jobs for them.

Rural Electrification Board is entrusted to expansion of the rural electrification project through 77 Palli Bidyut Samities by December 2018. The government will provide the entire project cost of Tk 6,915 crore from the national exchequer.

Under the project, there will be construction of some 44,000 kilometre 33 KV or lower voltage line, construction of some 83 new power sub stations with 33/11 KV capacity, augmentation of some existing 35 power sub stations, providing 15 lakh power connections and 35.70 acre land acquisition.