Historic electricity transmission from Nepal to Bangladesh inaugurated: A step towards regional connectivity

Boosting regional cross-border connectivity, Union minister Manohar Lal jointly inaugurated electricity transmission from Nepal to Bangladesh, along with Bangladesh power adviser Md Fouzul Kabir Khan and Nepal power minister Dipak Khadka through a virtual event.

This historic occasion marks the first trilateral power transaction, which has been carried out through the Indian grid.

New Delhi had announced its decision to facilitate the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid, with an export of up to 40 MW of power during the visit of the then prime minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', to India in 2023.


During the visit, both sides expressed their commitment towards greater sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector, which would lead to increased inter-linkages between the economies for mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

Subsequently, a tripartite power sales agreement between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Board was signed on October 3, 2024 in Kathmandu notwithstanding the political upheaval in Bangladesh.

However, concerns remain over attempts by elements in the interim administration to introduce conservative ideas in Bangladesh society. Bangladesh attorney general's (ex-BNP leader) suggestion to remove references to secularism and Bangla nationalism from the constitution is akin to steps taken by the governments in Dhaka following the assassination of Sheikh Mujib in 1975 and reflects the mindset of pro-Pakistan and radical forces in the country.

During 1975-1996, successive Bangladeshi governments dropped reference to secularism in the constitution and promoted religious identity contrary to the ethos of creation of Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi radicals have given ultimatum to Md Yunus to ban ISKCON or they will start killing devotees.