For better insight
Thursday, 13 September 2007
WHEN economists talk on gynecology and how to solve the arsenic problem, both physicians and chemists should be out of their professions. The debate on development in this country is getting dangerously one-sided.
Quoting an assessment of the International Energy Association, a local university professor of economics in a recent seminar said the world energy sector would need during 2003-2030 a total investment of $16 trillion. He also stated easy access to energy is key to achieving the UN millennium development goals (MDGs) and that Bangladesh needs to make a total investment worth $ 16 billion to ensure electricity for all by the year 2020. Its present economic growth rate, he said, has created capacity in this country to make that investment.
The Power Secretary, who is also an economist, said time has come to look for alternative energy sources such as renewable energy. His assertion reflects a comprehension that beyond the matter of financial investment, there are other issues to be looked into while planning development of the energy sector.
Why are the real mechanics of development-engineers, physicists, chemists, geologists, agriculturists and experts of other relevant disciplines, not talking as loudly as the economists on development issues? The debate on development should be wholesome to preclude errors in planning.
Ferdous Ahmed
Green Road
Dhaka.
Quoting an assessment of the International Energy Association, a local university professor of economics in a recent seminar said the world energy sector would need during 2003-2030 a total investment of $16 trillion. He also stated easy access to energy is key to achieving the UN millennium development goals (MDGs) and that Bangladesh needs to make a total investment worth $ 16 billion to ensure electricity for all by the year 2020. Its present economic growth rate, he said, has created capacity in this country to make that investment.
The Power Secretary, who is also an economist, said time has come to look for alternative energy sources such as renewable energy. His assertion reflects a comprehension that beyond the matter of financial investment, there are other issues to be looked into while planning development of the energy sector.
Why are the real mechanics of development-engineers, physicists, chemists, geologists, agriculturists and experts of other relevant disciplines, not talking as loudly as the economists on development issues? The debate on development should be wholesome to preclude errors in planning.
Ferdous Ahmed
Green Road
Dhaka.