Power crisis and the role of government

Bangladesh is facing a severe power crisis with its increasing demand. Power crisis is not a problem that can be solved overnight, nor has it been created overnight. It is a result of the governments' negligence and corruption. However, the present government is trying to solve the problem and they are more or less improving the condition. But the solution through rental plants is very expensive and not applicable in the long run. The government's initiatives to increase awareness, about conservation of energy, among the people would be of immense help. The observance of the National Power Week- 2011 aimed at creating such awareness and also in using other natural resources, such as gas and water, would also yield positive results. Another step taken by the government was to provide free compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, initially, among the people was highly appreciable. Most people have switched to CFLs but the price of CFL bulbs is on the increase. It increased by 40 per cent in a year and it is going out of reach of the common people. The government should do something to keep the bulbs affordable, may be subsidise energy savers, for the efficient use of power. Md Mazharul Islam Department of Management Studies University of Dhaka E-mail: toufiqdu4u@gmail.com