Dr. Mohammed Mahtab Hossain Mazed

The month of Ramadan is one of the most sacred months for Muslims, which is the month of restraint, worship and self -purification. But in addition to worship this month, the busyness of trade and commerce increased, especially in shopping, shopping malls and markets. As a result, there is a tendency for additional illumination in shops and markets. However, this extra illumination causes a severe power of electricity, which is detrimental to economic, environmental and national interests. Therefore, we should consciously control the use of electricity during Ramadan and avoid unnecessary illumination.

> The importance of electricity and current situation

Electricity is one of the driving forces of modern civilization. From personal life to industry, agriculture, health, education - electricity requirements in every case are immense. But the demand for electricity in many developing countries including Bangladesh is increasing day by day, which is much higher than supply. As a result, there are often problems like load shedding. During the evening of Ramadan, the use of electricity increases, especially in mosques, houses and markets. During this time the extra illumination intensifies the power deficit.

Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, the demand for electricity increases significantly compared to normal time. Reason:

Iftar and Sehri increase the use of electricity during Iftar and Sehri: Electric ovens, refrigerators, water pumps, etc. are run for cooking.

Demand for electricity in the mosque for worship: Tarabih, Qiyamul Lail, Iftar Mahfil and various religious events are needed in mosques.

Extra illumination of markets and shopping malls: Ramadan increases the tendency for shopping. Sellers arrange extra illumination in the shops and markets to attract buyers, which increase the power waste.

As a result of additional illumination-

Power deficiency increases, which can cause load shedding.

Other sectors have problems with meeting the demand for electricity.

Unnecessary expenditure is spent on traders extra money.

Environmental damage is due to the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation, which increases global warming through carbon emissions.

> To prevent electricity waste

It is our moral and social responsibility to save electricity by reducing extra illumination during Ramadan. Some steps can be taken for this:

1. Lag

Traders should only arrange the necessary lighting and avoid unnecessary lighting for beauty enhancement.

2. LED and affordable light

Using LEDs or affordable lights instead of old or more powerful lights, the electricity costs less and last.

3. Keep the lights off after the specified time

In the shopping malls or markets, additional light should be extinguished after a certain time, so that electricity can be prevented.

4. Government and local administration

The government should formulate policies to prevent electricity wastage and make traders aware of this.

5. Increasing public awareness

The media, social media and leaflets can be used to make ordinary people aware of electricity saving.

> Wasted in the eyes of Islam

The waste in Islam is strictly forbidden. In the Qur'an Allah says, "Surely the waste is the brother of the devil." (Surah Isra: 27)
The waste of important assets like electricity is also blasphemous in the eyes of Islam. So we should show restraint during Ramadan and refrain from unnecessary illumination.

Finally, I would like to say, Ramadan is the month of restraint and self -purification. This month, unnecessary illumination and electricity waste is not only the cause of economic loss, but also environmentally and socially harmful. Therefore, we should exclude additional illumination, develop electricity saving habits and raise awareness about this with the help of the government and the local administration. By preventing electricity during Ramadan, we can protect national resources on the one hand, as per the guidance of Islam, we can also practice restraint.

The writer is a, columnist Founder and Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society