DHAKA, Oct 16, 2022 (BSS) - The government will suspend two officials of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) on charges of negligence of duty regarding the power blackout in country’s eastern region.

“We have formed three probe committees soon after the failure of the national grid, of which PGCB probe report has already been submitted. Two officials of the PGCB were found guilty in the probe report for negligence of their duties,” State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told BSS today.

Talking to the reporters at his ministry office, the state minister said that the government has decided to suspend those officials who were found responsible for grid failure.

“We have also assigned a team, outside of the PGCB, to investigate the mater, which will take more time. At the same time, another organisation was given task to find the causes of the grid failure. What mistake had happened for the power blackout,” he said.

Mentioning three issues for the grid disaster, Nasrul said, “Some people were responsible as they were reluctant to discharge their duties properly. The PGCB has been asked to suspend two of its officials who were found guilty.”

“Next, identifying those in the distribution companies, who did not respond properly to the PGCB's instructions and take action against them,” he said.

The rest of the investigation reports will be available within this week, he said. 

The electricity situation in the western region of the country is good, he said, adding that there is no load shedding. But some load shedding is taking place in the eastern region. We hope that the situation would improve in the next couple of weeks.”

Responding to a question about gas shortage, Nasrul said, “The price of gas has increased in the international market. We cover 50 to 60 percent of the deficit under the long-term contracts. We have our own gas, which is mitigating the demand. We procure extra gas from spot markets.”