National
PM Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate Matarbari coal-fired plant in Dec
In a significant development, the inaugural unit of the Matarbari coal-fired power plant located in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, is set to commence operations by December, injecting an impressive 600 MW of electricity into the national grid. The esteemed inauguration is expected to be conducted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself, as disclosed by project officials earlier this week.
On June 23, a vessel transporting 64,300 tonnes of coal from Indonesia arrived at the Matarbari plant, marking a crucial milestone in the project’s progress. Spanning 1,414 acres of land in Matarbari and Dhalghata unions of Maheshkhali upazila, Cox’s Bazar district, this 1200 MW power plant was constructed with Japanese funding on the coastal area, accompanied by the development of port infrastructure and a jetty dedicated to coal unloading from ships.
The ongoing efforts by the Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCL), the implementing company for this mega project, are evident during recent visits to the site. Remarkably, the jetty for coal discharge near the power plant is nearing completion, with vessels already making use of the facility. The transformation of the area due to this project has been significant, according to officials.
The operational phase of the power plant will require a daily supply of 13,104 tons of coal, necessitating the construction of coal discharge jetties and silos. A massive 90-acre ash pond and a second 600-acre one have been established for ash storage during the plant’s projected 25-year lifetime. Furthermore, an 80-acre coal yard has been prepared for efficient coal storage.
An agreement signed in 2014 between the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) outlines the project’s funding details, with an estimated cost of Tk 51,800 crores. While JICA will provide Tk 43,921 crore as project support, the remaining Tk 7,933 crore will be sourced from the Bangladesh Government and CPGCBL’s own funds.
Progress on the project has been substantial, with approximately 95 percent of the jetty and physical infrastructure already completed, and 90 percent of the overall physical infrastructure work accomplished. Nazmul Huq, Executive Director of the Matarbari coal-fired plant project, has expressed confidence that the power plant will be operational at 600 MW capacity even before the formal inauguration in December, aiming for full functionality by January 2024 when the first unit is scheduled to be commissioned. The second unit is expected to follow suit in July, with both units contributing to the national grid.
Executive Director Huq has also assured that strict environmental measures are being adhered to, with minimal impact on the environment during coal transportation and usage. The implementation ensures that coal is directly transported from the jetty to the plant, preventing environmental pollution.
As the Matarbari Coal Power Project gains momentum, it stands as a priority project for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, further exemplifying the nation’s commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable future.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
