Bangladesh will receive 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Nepal starting June 2025. The supply will continue until November 2025. This agreement was signed by Bangladesh, Nepal, and India last year. The electricity will be transferred via India, strengthening energy ties in South Asia. The news was shared during a meeting between Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, and Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser, Sk Bashir Uddin, at the Secretariat on 23 February.
A New Agreement to Meet Energy Needs
The deal was finalized on October 3, 2024. It is part of a larger effort to boost cooperation between Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. The goal is to increase energy supply and meet Bangladesh’s growing demand. The agreement comes at a time when Bangladesh faces rising energy needs, especially during the summer months. This cooperation aims to ease the burden by adding more power to the grid.
Focus on Regional Cooperation
In their meeting, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. He explained that better connectivity would help both countries grow economically. Uddin said, “Working together on trade, electricity, and infrastructure will benefit both nations.” He emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to long-term partnerships with neighboring countries. The Adviser believes that increasing trade and energy exchanges will help both nations prosper.
Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari spoke about Nepal’s positive relationship with Bangladesh. He mentioned that Nepal has a long history of friendly ties with Bangladesh. Bhandari noted that Nepal imports agricultural products from Bangladesh. He is hopeful that this new energy agreement will open the door for even more electricity exports to Bangladesh in the future.
Nepal’s Potential to Supply More Power
Nepal has vast hydropower potential. The country is looking to export more electricity in the coming years. Ambassador Bhandari said, “We hope to increase electricity exports to Bangladesh as our capacity grows.” This will not only benefit Bangladesh but also help Nepal make better use of its natural resources.
The agreement sets a good example of how countries in South Asia can work together to solve energy challenges. India plays a vital role in facilitating this exchange. India’s grid will help transmit electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh. This cross-border collaboration in energy is a model for other South Asian countries.
The Nepal Economic Summit
During the meeting, Ambassador Bhandari also invited Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin to attend the upcoming Nepal Economic Summit. The summit will bring together leaders from both nations to discuss economic growth, trade, and infrastructure projects. It will also provide an opportunity to explore new ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
The summit is expected to focus on topics like regional trade, energy cooperation, and improved transport links. Both countries want to create a smooth flow of goods and services across borders. The summit aims to identify opportunities for growth and collaboration in these key areas.
Key Officials Attend the Meeting
Several important officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce attended the meeting. Among them were Commerce Secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan and Additional Secretary Ayesha Akhter. They joined the discussions about how to make the electricity agreement work smoothly. The officials also talked about plans to expand trade routes and improve connectivity between Nepal and Bangladesh.
In addition, the meeting highlighted the need for better infrastructure to support faster and more efficient movement of goods. Both countries agreed that building better roads and transportation networks would help them trade more easily.
Long-Term Benefits of the Agreement
This agreement on electricity is more than just a short-term solution. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen regional cooperation. By working together, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India can address common challenges and make progress on shared goals. The deal not only helps meet Bangladesh’s energy needs but also sets the stage for future cooperation in energy and trade.
As Bangladesh continues to grow, energy will play a crucial role. The country’s energy demand is expected to keep rising. Nepal’s hydropower resources are a valuable resource that can help meet this demand. This partnership is a great example of how countries can work together to solve common problems and achieve shared success.
Looking ahead, the agreement is expected to lead to more energy exports from Nepal to Bangladesh. Both countries see great potential for expanding energy trade. With the Nepal Economic Summit on the horizon, there will be more opportunities to deepen their cooperation.
Both Bangladesh and Nepal are committed to working together on long-term projects that will benefit their economies. This electricity deal is just the beginning of what is likely to be a growing partnership between the two nations.
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