DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday inaugurated another gas-fired power plant at Shikalbaha in Chittagong . 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in the port city  in the morning to inaugurate three other installations including the 3rd Karnaphuli bridge, Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd and a new court building, under a massive development plan for Chittagong.

She reached Patiya, on the other bank of Karnafuli at around 11:15 am.

The Prime Minister and Awami League chief will address a public meeting at the adjasent Shikalbaha CDA residential area ground at noon before opening the Karnaphuli bridge.

Hasina, is also scheduled to hold a meeting with lawyers and local leaders of her party after the inauguration of the new court building.

Tight security measures have been taken in the areas related to Prime Minister’s programmes in the port city.

CMP Deputy Commissioner (Sadar) Md. Mainul Islam told banglanews that 4000 cops have been deployed at five venues for PM’s visit.

Forty-eight traffic sergeants and 296 constables are on duty to make the PM’s route in the city free from traffic jam, Mainul informed.

“Besides, teams of navy and coast guard are patrolling in the river Karnafuli”, he said.   

She also would inaugurate Karnaphuli Gas Distribution and Transmission Company Limited.

Earlier, the first unit of 300-MW power plant was shut down due to the shortage of gas just seven days after the inauguration of that plant.

State minister for power and energy Enamul Haque told banglanews24.com.bd that the plant would play an important role in developing the industrial areas and business in the commercial capital.

Besides, separate gas-distribution company has been formed for supplying gas to the port city, he added.

The Power Development Board signed the deal with Messrs Sino-hydro Corporation on February 20 in 2008 for setting up the plant.

The peak-hour plant has been set up at a cost of Tk 639.28 crore against the estimated cost of Tk 777.98 crore.

In the meantime, the plant went into trial operation on August 16.       

BDST: 1850 HRS, SEPT 7, 2010