Buying power from India?
Photo: STAR
Recently, honourable state minister for power & energy stated in the national parliament that Bangladesh is likely to import 500MW of electric power from India by the middle of next year (2013). There are two important things in the statement that needs to be pondered over. One is the expression "likely", and the other "middle of next year". The first expression belies the certainty of either the quantity or the timing when power will be made available to Bangladesh. India's reluctance and procrastination, that is well known and documented, relates to the second expression also. The example of the matter of 'enclaves' is well known, which has been ignored by the Indian side over the decades, if not more! It was also stated by the honourable state minister that work on our grid and substation was in progress, and it was estimated that around 30 percent of the work was completed. The balance 70 percent is yet to be done! Regarding progress on the Indian side, nothing was stated, since as usual, nothing is known! Also the tariff was not stated, which surely has been agreed upon before such a project was undertaken. These are significant and critical matters, since all will depend on Indian real intentions and level of progress. After all, we are dependent on India. Despite all big talks of friendly relations, the fact is that India treats Bangladesh as a dependent country, doing shabby deals with us, whenever any thing of interest to Bangladesh is concerned. That unfortunately is the bitter reality, which is clear to most people in Bangladesh.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments