Enhanced Access to Electricity Drives 'Digital Bangladesh'

The enhanced access to electricity drives the country towards a developing one in the line with government vision of Digital Bangladesh, eminent economist Dr Atiur Rahman opined.

Addressing a webinar as chief guest on Saturday, former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur mentioned that the country has witnessed a welcome surge in electricity production over the last decade.

Bangladesh Power Management Institute (BPMI) organized the virtual meeting titled ‘Bangladesh at 50: Amazing Journey of Inclusive Development. 

And this has fueled success in mechanizing agriculture, growth of the non-farm sector in rural areas, digitization of government services, the proliferation of digital financial services, digital innovations in education and above all industrial growth.

Power Division Secretary Habibur Rahman also connected to the meeting as a special guest while BPMI Rector Mahbub-Ul-Alam presided over the session.

In the keynote, Prof Atiur inferred ensuring access to electricity has been pivotal for the macroeconomic success of Bangladesh. 

''Father of the Nation- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through his prudent leadership brought Bangladesh out of the ashes of war and took it to the express way of inclusive development within a very short period,'' said Prof Atiur, also chairperson at Unnayan Shamannay, told the meeting

Dr Atiur further added that Bangladesh has enormous potential to realize and has a lot to do in process of recovery from the pandemic-induced economic slowdown.

He also emphasized ensuring this process of recovery and further growth be green (environment-friendly). 

Prof Atiur opined that the power division must play the lead role in the proliferation of green or renewable energy in Bangladesh. 

Secretary Habubur Rahman mentioned that Power Division is working relentlessly to ensure that every household has access to electricity in Bangladesh within the shortest possible time.