Anindya Islam Amit, the state minister for power, energy and mineral resources, said on Saturday that Bangladesh’s electricity deficit will narrow substantially next summer, with at least 3,000 megawatts of solar generation capacity expected to be created before then after various incentives are provided to developers.

Amit was speaking at a district administration event in Jashore on quality and ethical education and cleanliness, attended by head teachers, education officers and school governing board presidents.

The state minister said various incentives had been provided to entrepreneurs and that at least 3,000 megawatts of solar generation capacity would be created in the country before next summer.

On fuel prices, Amit said global oil and gas prices were rising and fuel costs had increased in Saudi Arabia and the United States as well. He questioned how long a country such as Bangladesh could delay price adjustments.

“The government is adjusting fuel prices with public welfare in mind,” the state minister said, while urging people to use energy moderately and to teach children to do the same.

Amit called on teachers to build the foundations of ethical education from the primary level, ensure quality sanitation and cleanliness in schools, and hold regular discussions with parents to prevent child marriage.

He stressed that no student would be forced to abandon education for lack of money, and the government would take responsibility for such students.

Warning his party’s leaders and activists, he said no one would be spared for using party or political identity to exert influence or create disorder in educational institutions. Such actions would first face organisational measures and later legal steps, he said.