Nepal-Bangladesh Power Trade on Hold Amid Political Changes

The power trade agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh is stalled due to political changes in Bangladesh. Nepal plans to export 40 MW electricity through India, with efforts underway to sign the deal soon, states Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

A power trade agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh has been temporarily halted due to political changes in Bangladesh, stated Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The agreement, aiming to export 40 Mega Watts of electricity to Bangladesh via India, is expected to be signed soon following the establishment of Bangladesh's new interim government.

Responding to queries in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Prime Minister Oli informed lawmakers that substantial progress has been made on the power trade deal with Bangladesh. The pact was initially set to be signed last month in Kathmandu in the presence of energy ministers from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. However, it was postponed due to recent political developments in Bangladesh.

The turmoil in Bangladesh led to the formation of an interim government under Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. Efforts are now focused on expediting the agreement's finalization. Oli emphasized the deal's significance in marking a milestone in sub-regional energy cooperation, highlighting plans for Nepal to export up to 15,000 MW to neighboring countries by 2034-35.

(With inputs from agencies.)