SUNAMGANJ, Aug 20, 2022 (BSS) – Planning Minister MA Mannan today said that the renewable energy like solar power would be the source of energy in future while the government has been heading towards that path.

“Not only Bangladesh, but also the whole world will go for utilizing solar power,” he said.

The Planning Minister was addressing a reception and distribution of stipends among the successful students of SSC and HSC as the chief guest held at the Hasan Raja auditorium of district Shilpakala Academy marking the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Organized by Zila Parishad, its administrator Nurul Huda Mukut presided over the function.

Deputy Commissioner Md Jahangir Hossain, Police Super Md Mizanur Rahman, CEO of Zila Parishad Abdul Wahab Rashed, Educationist Porimol Kanti Dey, Jogeshwar Chandra das and successful student Raisa Rahman Chondrima spoke, among others, on the occasion.

The Planning Minister along with other guests handed over prize bonds worth Taka 6,000 to each of 175 students gaining GPA 5 in SSC exams 2021 along with books on Bangabandhu. They also distributed prize bonds worth taka 8,000 to each of 101 students gaining GPA 5 at the HSC exams alongside books on Father of the Nation.
Mannan said natural resources like gas and coal could not be found every now and then while it needs time to explore gas. “The source of power in future will not be gas or coal or fuel oil. Rather the source of power in future will be renewable energy like solar power.”

Turning to the issue of foreign currency reserve, he said that there is nothing to be worried over the current state of country’s foreign currency reserve.
He said that the country’s foreign currency reserve reached at $48 billion although it was only $5 billion in 2009.

The Planning Minister said although the reserve had come down at $39 billion, but it has recently crossed $40 billion thanks to the uptrend in inward remittance.
He alleged that a vested quarter is out to create confusion among the countrymen over the state of foreign currency reserve.

About the exchange rate, Mannan said although Taka was devaluated against US Dollar due to the volatility in global market, but the local currency has started to gain in recent times and it would be further strengthened.

Turning to the issue of demand from the tea workers for ensuring their just wages, he said that the government is aware about ensuring just wages of the tea workers.
The Planning Minister also called upon all to work unitedly to ensure balanced development in the country under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reiterating that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure development of Sunamganj, he said that the search for suitable places is on to build an airport here in the district to attract both local and foreign tourists.