In this issue

Despite rapid growth in the industrial sector, Bangladesh’s economy is still largely dependent on its agriculture. The farm sector continued to perform well so far in ensuring the food security of the country’s growing population, which now stands at about 170 million, with only a limited landmass thanks mainly to the farmers for their relentless efforts. Governments as well have always been providing no less support to the farmers to attain self-sufficiency in food production. One of the main inputs is irrigation without which agricultural output would not be enough to feed the people. Presently, Bangladesh is using diesel-and electricity-driven deep and shallow tube wells to pump out underground water for irrigation purposes. Recently, the government has taken an initiative to introduce solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) to replace the existing ones that require huge subsidies and cause environmental degradation. It has also launched a few pilot projects and found those feasible. A study by the Asian Development Bank also found that the cost of irrigation with SIPs would be 15-20% lower than the fossil fuel-based ones.
The welcoming move comes with the country’s global commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Bangladesh’s model of solar home systems received wide appreciation from home and abroad and was replicated elsewhere, but recent reports suggest most units already went out of order for lack of necessary maintenance. However, the agriculture sector would not be able to absorb such a setback even for a single season as it will make food security vulnerable.

Energy & Power Magazine Description:

Energy & Power (EP) is the first and only full-fledged fortnightly magazine that deals with the much cried over energy and power sector in Bangladesh. Since its inception in June 16, 2003, EP is working very hard to 
a) Develop public consciousness on sustainable and even development of energy sector; 
b) Assist the policy makers in assuming pragmatic policies for a balanced development of the energy sector; 
c) Continuous supply of information among public; and 
d) Develop a group of reporters in this field 

Bangladesh is an energy deficit country like other countries in the region and most of the people do not have adequate access to the energy and power. The country is completely dependent on fossil energy source; at the same time, it is one of the most inefficient energy using countries in the world. 
It lacks efficiency in planning, management, generation, distribution, load management and even at the end user level consumption. 
In spite of the above drawbacks, issues relating to utilization of renewable energy, exploring alternative use of energy, planned use of environment friendly energy are significantly undermined in Bangladesh. 
The biggest challenge of Bangladesh is to find a path for balanced growth of its energy sector. Despite its resource constraints, EP dynamically strives to provide theenergy sector with a flow of information and create public awareness; so that policymakers get guidelines and platforms for its sustainable development.

Code of Ethics 
EP believes that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of a journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues and professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. We strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.

The EP editorial policy is to share a dedication to ethical behavior and uphold the zero conflict of interest principles and highest standards of practice. 

EP believes in 
o Seeking truth and reporting the same 
o Minimize harm