PM Stresses Efficient Use of Power Infrastructure

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday stressed the maximum and efficient use of existing infrastructure to strengthen Bangladesh's power and energy security, while ensuring transparency, accountability, regular maintenance and long-term integrated planning.

He also called for diversifying energy sources to meet the country's growing electricity demand, giving priority to economic viability, environmental impacts and the long-term interests of the people in power generation and the management of large infrastructure projects.

The prime minister made the remarks during a visit to the 1,200MW Matarbari Ultra-Supercritical Coal-Fired Power Plant in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar.

Tarique Rahman said integrated development of power and energy facilities, the deep-sea port and related industrial infrastructure around Matarbari would play an important role in ensuring energy security, promoting industrialisation and expanding economic activities.

He arrived at the project's helipad by helicopter at 10:45am and later received a detailed briefing on the power plant's operations.

Officials briefed him on the plant's current status, generation capacity, fuel supply, operational efficiency, maintenance, safety measures and future plans.

During the briefing, the prime minister was informed that the power plant is being operated entirely by Bangladeshi engineers and personnel.

Tarique Rahman expressed satisfaction at the use of local expertise, praising the skills and capabilities of Bangladeshi engineers and employees. He also planted a neem sapling on the project premises.

The Matarbari power plant consists of two 600MW units with a combined capacity of 1,200MW and uses modern ultra-supercritical technology.

The project includes the power plant, coal transportation port facilities, transmission lines, access roads and other related infrastructure, with loan assistance provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

After inspecting the main facilities, the prime minister visited the proposed 70MW solar power plant site, where officials briefed him on the project's plans and potential generation capacity.

He was also shown sites earmarked for a proposed LNG-based power plant, a petrochemical project and a new refinery.

Tarique Rahman inspected infrastructure related to LPG, LNG and coal terminals and sought detailed information on future plans and the use of the facilities, issuing directives on several matters.

He later visited the coal jetty and observed the Matarbari deep-sea port, LNG terminal and other project facilities.

Officials explained how the port infrastructure would support coal transportation and unloading and its integration with the power plant.

The prime minister also visited the proposed temporary LPG jetty and sites planned for Units 3 and 4 of the coal-fired power plant before concluding his inspection.

The Matarbari project aims to increase stable electricity supplies and strengthen Bangladesh's long-term energy security through integrated power, port and industrial infrastructure.

Several cabinet members and senior government officials accompanied the prime minister during the visit.