ZOOMBANGLA DESK: State minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid on Monday said that the Bangladesh government had a plan to import 9,000MW of electricity in the future.

‘Bangladesh should increase the number of ADB-funded projects,’ he told the Asian Development Bank South Asian affairs director general Takeo Konishi at his ministry conference room at Bangladesh secretariat.

The ADB South Asian affairs director general and its country director Edimon Ginting paid a courtesy call on the state minister.

Nasrul Hamid said that the ADB could help to establish power markets, which would cooperate for buying and selling of electricity as per requirement.

‘Power can also be exported to Nepal or Bhutan in winter. Moreover, we have a plan to import 9,000 MW of electricity in future,’ he added.

During the meeting they discussed various issues related to mutual interest. The ADB DG discussed the increase of the participation of private sector in energy transition, financing for establishing roadmaps in electric vehicles, energy efficiency and solar irrigation, regional interconnection and project readiness.

‘A good consultant is needed to determine the true cost of fuel. ADB can assist in this regard. Special importance is being given to participate the government as well as private individuals or institutions for maximum utilisation of our resources,’ the state minister said.

He said, ‘Bonds are being issued to reduce government subsidies. Initiatives are being taken to convert 13 lakh diesel pumps into solar pumps. Good results can be obtained if we work together in expansion of technology and establishment a common data centre.’

It is mentioned that the ADB has financed $2.57 billion in seven projects in the power sector, while two projects worth about $360 million were approved in 2023.

Besides, three projects financed by the ADB are ongoing and five projects are in the pipeline. (BSS)