State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said public money must not be wasted on unplanned projects as in the past. Speaking at a Thursday morning meeting at the Secretariat with senior Energy and Mineral Resources Division officials, he instructed them to establish the justification for every unapproved project. He also stressed setting priorities based on each project’s role in meeting public needs.

Amit highlighted the need for a clear, geographically based and data-driven comprehensive map of the country’s mineral resources. He directed officials to combine fragmented block maps, geological surveys and information held by different agencies into a single modern, integrated framework. A complete picture of underground resources and their potential would help coordination among government departments and support planned work, he said.

In two separate meetings, participants discussed recommendations to make energy and electricity demand, production and distribution more efficient and economical. The minister called for zone-based assessments of actual demand and supply, rapid identification of obstacles, and prompt decisions on necessary actions. Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh and senior ministry and power-sector company officials attended.