They also called for taking stern actions against corrupt employees in power sector by replacing them with honest, qualified and non-political persons.

The seminar was organised by electric, electronic and communication engineering (EECE) department of Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) at Mirpur Cantonment in the city.

"Cutting illegal and unpaid connections will save about 300 MW electricity a day," said Lt Col Moin Uddin, instructor of the EECE.

In his presentation on 'Electric Power Crisis in Bangladesh: Possible Solutions', Moin stressed the need for stern action for the recovery of outstanding bills which is about Tk 190 crore.

He also suggested for a separate judicial bench for quick disposal of pending cases in power sector.

Proposing the use of energy saving bulbs, Moin said once everybody uses such bulbs, an estimated amount of 518 MW power will be saved.

"Initially the government can subsidise the bulbs," he said, adding that holiday staggering and micro electricity programme by Grameen Bank and other NGOs could also be introduced.

Drawing a grim picture of power crisis in the next 20 years, the MIST instructor said an advisory committee with field-level experts, academics and members from the armed forces may be formed to formulate, monitor and execute the action plans to address the issue in an organised manner for short and long-term solutions.

He observed that the present government may complete all the initial process for implementing big power plants under the long-term plan within the next six months to generate 5000 MW more power in next five years.

In another presentation, Prof Quamrul Ahsan of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) said power plants with the capacity of generating 12,936 MW power would be required to meet the demand in next 20 years.

It will be very difficult for the country to meet the growing demand of electricity, he said and suggested use of various options for generating electricity including hydro units at Sangu and Matamuhuri, and interconnections with neighbouring countries.

In this connection he said Nepal and Bhutan have cheap surplus of hydro fuels with an estimated potential of 83,290 MW and 30, 000 MW respectively.

For long-term solutions, he strongly recommended for nuclear power plants, saying the fossil fuel of the country will not exist for long.

"It is recommended to have 300 MW nuclear power generations after 10 years and after 5 years of interval another 500 MW should be added to the list," he said, adding that nuclear energy is more dependable with low production cost, though it requires huge investment cost at the initial stage.

Prof Quamrul laid emphasis on increasing the density of drilling for extracting more gas and use of coal for future electricity generation.

Speaking as chief guest, University of Asia Pacific Vice-chancellor Dr Abdul Matin Patwari suggested reducing the system loss and more involvement of the private sector in power generation.

"One percent system loss costs Tk 80 crore, while now there is more than 20 percent system loss causing a huge loss in this sector," he said.

Dr Matin recommended formation of an independent commission to look into renewable energy and go for Saarc cooperation in meeting the future electricity demand.

MIST Commandant Maj Gen Abdul Wadud, ndu, psc also spoke at the seminar.