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Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Friday said the government has given top priority to protecting low-income households while adjusting electricity tariffs, ensuring that consumers using up to 75 units of electricity a month remain unaffected by the latest price hike.
Speaking at a function in Sirajganj after inaugurating the newly constructed Sirajganj Sadar upazila Parishad building, the minister said the decision was aimed at shielding rural and marginalised families from additional financial pressure.
“Those who consume up to 75 units of electricity per month have not faced any increase in tariffs because most rural households fall within this consumption bracket,” Tuku said.
He said that despite rising global energy prices, higher fuel import costs and increasing electricity generation expenses, the government continues to provide subsidies to protect consumers.
The minister said expanding renewable energy remains one of the government’s long-term priorities to reduce dependence on imported fuel and strengthen energy security.
As part of that plan, he said the government aims to generate 10,000 megawatts of solar power over the next few years.
“Solar power does not require imported fuel. This will help save billions of dollars in foreign exchange every year while ensuring energy security and increasing environmentally friendly electricity generation,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s social safety net programmes, Tuku said initiatives such as family cards for low-income households and agriculture cards for farmers are intended to strengthen food security, boost farm production and expand social protection.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a programme under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2025-26, where spray machines, deep tube wells, sewing machines, school benches and sports equipment were distributed among beneficiaries in different unions.
Experts, however, say achieving the 10,000-MW solar power target will require substantial investment, modernisation of the national power transmission network and greater participation from private investors.
The programme was chaired by Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mamun Khan. Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Saiful Islam Santu, Sirajganj district BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu and other local representatives and government officials.