C T Online Desk: Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, has criticized unplanned infrastructure projects, labeling the Karnaphuli Tunnel as a “burden” on the nation.
“While passing by it today, I saw no vehicles using it,” he said during a meeting with divisional and district officials at the Circuit House in Chittagong on Friday.
He explained that the original plan for the tunnel was to link it with the Matarbari deep-sea port, creating an integrated economic zone to bolster the country’s economy. However, the current situation is far from the vision.
“Instead, we now have a power plant there and an unplanned tunnel, which is causing losses to the nation,” he said.
Fouzul Kabir emphasized the government’s commitment to the people, particularly the martyrs and injured of the July uprising.
“This government is not accountable to any business or vested interest groups. Our accountability lies with the over 1,000 martyrs and more than 30,000 injured citizens from the uprising. It is from this sense of responsibility that we are working for the country’s development,” he said.
Highlighting inefficiencies in the energy sector, the adviser said that the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) spends Tk5 crore on each vehicle, yet the power sector remains in dire straits.
The government provides Tk25,000 crore in subsidies for the energy sector, but unplanned projects have strained resources. He cited the Padma Rail Link project as an example, which cost nearly Tk40,000 crore but has only generated Tk37 crore in revenue over six months, far below its expected annual revenue of Tk1,400 crore.
“These projects, labeled as ‘development,’ are in reality wasteful expenditures. We can no longer afford such waste,” he warned, urging more prudent planning to prevent further losses.
Earlier in the day, the adviser visited Eastern Refinery Limited and held discussions with officials from various oil companies. He expressed concern over the refinery’s condition, saying: “The Eastern Refinery, built in 1968, is in a fragile state and could collapse at any time.”
To address the situation, a project for a second refinery has been initiated. “Work on it must begin without delay,” he added.
The adviser’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on addressing inefficiencies and prioritizing sustainable development amidst challenging economic conditions.
