A tall order…
The statement of State Minister for Science & Technology that the Rooppur nuclear power plant would hopefully start generating power in five years adding 1000MW of electricity to the national grid is big news for the nation that is suffering from crippling power crisis. This would-be nuclear power plant was established about half a century ago on 260 acres of land at Rooppur in Pabna. Even today I cherish the fond memory of participating in the procession demanding the construction of this nuclear power plant during my student life at BUET in the late sixties. Responsible ministers of this government are also telling that the first Padma bridge at Mawa and the second one at Paturia will be completed within the next 3-5 years. The prime minister herself told that whatever it costs, the government would retrieve the country's complete river system.
It is not clear how the colossal costs of these projects will be managed. There is not enough fund for setting up even the conventional power plants. If one Padma bridge at Mawa can be materialized, a major part of the country will be benefited with a positive impact on our national economy through utilizing the Mongla port. In reality, it is seen that the government cannot even maintain normal ferry services with regular dredging of the rivers. So one can question how it will be done for all the rivers of the country. These statements are being made by politicians and there is a saying that when a politician says yes, he means perhaps, when he says perhaps, he means no and when he says no, he is not a politician. But we sincerely want to believe that our politicians are different. They do what they say and say what they do. At least if not today, it will be true tomorrow.
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