Dhaka, Apr 26 (V7N)- There is a risk of load shedding during this summer, but the government will strive to keep it limited and manageable, said Faozul Kabir Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

Speaking at a seminar on the energy crisis organized at the capital's Bidyut Bhaban on Saturday (April 26), the advisor assured that there will be no discrimination between rural and urban areas in electricity supply.

Faozul Kabir Khan noted that a key priority of the interim government has been to pay off outstanding energy bills. "The previous government's dues have been reduced from $3.2 billion to $600 million," he said, highlighting the administration’s efforts to stabilize the sector.

However, he pointed out that, with elections scheduled between December and June, implementing comprehensive reforms in the energy sector within this short period would be challenging. "We must reduce system losses by 50 percent within the next two months," he stressed. Measures are already underway to repair line leaks and curb gas theft.

Addressing concerns about financial irregularities, the advisor criticized the excessive bonuses paid to employees of government energy companies. "Unlike private sector giants like Apple and Google, where profitability justifies incentives, government company employees here are receiving 30 to 40 additional payments annually. This practice will be stopped," he added.

The government hopes that by addressing these structural issues, the energy situation will improve and public suffering from power outages will be minimized.

END/MSS/AJ