State minister for power, energy, and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid has said the major challenge of the next government would be to ensure affordable power and energy.
"We [have] already achieved success in ensuring access to power and energy over the past several years," he said.
Mr Hamid was speaking at a post-poll 'Meet the Press' programme at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday.
He greeted journalists on the occasion of the English New Year 2019.
Improving human resources, adoption of modern technology, improving regional cooperation and arranging funds for power projects would also remain challenges for the next government, Mr Hamid said.
Bangladesh would require investment to the tune of $40 billion in order to implement power and energy projects over the next five years.
The world was passing through a transition period in the field of power and energy, the junior minister said.
To cope with the changing technologies, Bangladesh will require implementing big renewable energy projects.
Mr Hamid, however, said implementing smart grid would be necessary to tap renewable energy sources.
The government should also review the Power System Master Plan 2016 to accommodate more options coping with the changing global scenarios, he added.
Importing more electricity from India would be relatively cheap as the next-door neighbour relaxed provision of importing power at a competitive rate from the private sector, he mentioned.
Bangladesh would also be able to start exporting electricity to Nepal in winter when the local demand decreases, the minister expressed his hope.
azizjst@yahoo.com