Minister blames unplanned transmission lines for rural power outages

The unplanned power transmission lines installed during the drive for 100 per cent electrification under the previous Awami League government often fail under heavy loads, causing outages in rural areas, Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said on Monday.

He said the Rural Electrification Board (REB) has been instructed to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

The minister was speaking at a citizens' dialogue on the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper (2026-2030) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

Load shedding in rural areas has declined compared with earlier, Mahmood said, adding that most disruptions are the result of technical faults rather than electricity shortages.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister emphasised renewable energy as the key to overcoming financial constraints in the power and energy sector.

Mahmood announced a plan to generate 10,000 megawatts of solar power within five years, which he said would significantly reduce fuel imports, save government funds, and help clear arrears in the power sector.

The government is cautious about using agricultural land for renewable energy projects, prioritising fallow or unused land instead, he added.

The dialogue was organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), with CAB General Secretary Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan in the chair. President of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association Mostafa Al Mahmud and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Alamgir Kabir also spoke.

azizjst@yahoo.com