This government inherited a fairly functioning utilities sector. I remember coming back to Dhaka, after retirement from Brussels in September 2002, and being pleasantly surprised with the available facilities. Brown-outs were rare. Gas and water supply were both quite reasonable.

The last four years have seen a gradual decay in management and maintenance of these utility sectors. As an ordinary citizen and a tax-payer. I do not expect too many things from the government. I have minimum demands. I look forward to a steady supply of clan water and to the continued presence of gas and electricity. I also need protection and security, vital elements that can only be assured through proper maintenance of law and order. These are essential not only for me but for everyone else.

Unfortunately, what is reasonable and assured in every other civilized country, is not necessarily so in Bangladesh.

The last few months have particularly seen a steep downward curve in the power generation and supply sector. It has witnessed two changes in the portfolio pertaining to the Ministry of Power. The latest has been the relieving of Ministerial responsibility pertaining to Mr. AK Talukder, after he decided to resign (accepting blame for his ministry's failure). Admirable on the part of Mr. Talukder, but this has not helped matters.

Frequent power failures and lengthy duration of outages have added misery to daily lives, not only in the urban areas, but also within the rural community. The high percentage of humidity has only made things worse.

People of Bangladesh are known for their resilience and patience. They are poor but continue to strive forward despite many obstacles. Being traditional, religious and conservative by nature, they also accept, most of the time, deprivation as another test from the Almighty. They also rely to a great extent on the government machinery to sort out their daily difficulties.

Unfortunately, trust and confidence in the administrative process of governance has gone out through the window. This, in a manner of speaking is sad. It is also the harbinger of evil tidings.

The last few days have seen breakdown in law and order, chaos and arson. Television footage has focussed on angry protesters setting fire to vehicles, damaging windowpanes and disrupting traffic in various parts of Dhaka and its suburban areas. Mirpur, Pallabi, Kafrul, Shanir Akhra, Jatrabari, Lalbagh, Jurian, Shyampur and Keraniganj have been battle-fields with thousands from the local population fighting pitched battles with the police and RAB contingents. The situation was particularly volatile in Mirpur where demonstrators went on the rampage and destroyed public property as well as the DESCO power sub-station. Photographs in the media also clearly showed vandals dismantling and removing power utility machinerys.

In the wake of such attacks, DESA officials have demanded proper security. Some of them have also mentioned to the electronic media that adequate security forces must be immediately deployed in all the power outlet key point installations. I wonder why the government has not taken this precaution. They might not be able to generate sufficient electricity, but they should at least be able to guard existing installations. This was another example of administrative incompetence.

There was another disappointing feature associated with this public outcry. There was another example of blatant partisanship from the Speaker's chair in the Parliament. Opposition lawmakers from the Awami League, quite understandably, demanded in the Parliament that the government clarify the reason for the poor power situation in the country. There could have been a lively debate and the government functionaries could have clarified matters. This would have conformed to the traditions of parliamentary democracy. This however did not happen. This time round, as in the past with regard to a request for debate on the extra-ordinary rise in prices of food-stuff, the opposition was denied the chance to draw everyone's attention to the current crisis. The Deputy Speaker, who was acting as the Speaker at that time, refused the opposition the chance to hold such a debate. Such action, underlined once again, the pitfalls of a large majority and the absence of true parliamentary ethos in our Jatiyo Sangshad.

It would appear that the government has failed not only to increase power generation, but has also been unable to understand the depth of public anger. Events of last week indicated that the demonstrators undertaking violent acts thought that such action was legitimate given the inability of the government in meeting their 'justifiable' demands. Such a trend is dangerous.

In the meantime, to soothe public opinion, and to contain further instability, several decisions have been taken. The Ministry of Power has initiated steps to increase supply of power to urban areas -- especially Dhaka. For the moment, Dhaka, against its total demand for 1,700 MW, will be receiving about 1,350 MW. As in the past, rural areas will suffer. So will agriculture, because of reduced irrigation.

It has also been decided that electricity supply will be suspended to big shopping malls (despite stiff opposition from shop-owners) and 'less important' small industries during evening peak hours. Bill boards will also be denied electricity as a cosmetic step. Apparently, these decisions will make available an additional 75 MW for Dhaka consumers.

All I can say is that these are but palliatives and not the solution. Aspirin can only reduce the pain but will not cure the disease.

Statistics have indicated that national consumption demand now stands at slightly over 5,000 MW. Against this background, today, generation accounts for 3,600 MW. On the one side there has been an increase of only 500 MW generation capacity over the last five years. On the other, there has been decrease in generation capacity because of breakdown of many installed units due to wear and tear. Obviously, the equation is far from being optimum. Power plants due to be put in place in Siddhirganj, Chandpur, Saidpur, Fenchuganj, Haripur, Khulna, Bhola, Bheramara, Kaptai and Bogra have not been established. Despite perspective plans, implementation of the process has stumbled.

We are faced today with a problem that can only increase. We are heading towards a period of transition where the caretaker government cannot, in real terms, undertake policy initiative. Consequently, power insufficiency will continue to plague the general population.

There can be two solutions -- go either for nuclear energy as is being done by many other developing countries or intensify electricity production through greater investment in the coal and gas sector. The first option, capital intensive, has many regulatory hurdles, but is preferable in the context of long term. The second is comparatively cheaper and possible in the shorter term.

The first step however has to be the conscious decision of the newly elected government to transfer power generation to the private sector. It will mean greater efficiency and less of systems loss -- a synonym for theft and corruption. Ad-hoc measures will not do. Such a step will probably lead to higher power rates in conformity with demand and price of generation, distribution and transmission. It will increase prices, but steady supply of power will also activate industrial growth, and in turn, create employment and reduce poverty.

We can, and must undertake expansion of power generation, in a planned manner on the basis of our domestic natural resources. This will, in the long run, be better than selling our gas and coal through questionable agreements.

Muhammad Zamir is a former secretary and Ambassador who can be reached at zamir@dhaka.net