Bangladesh and Nepal on Thursday signaled a push for deeper energy integration as electricity imports from Nepal resumed for a new season, with leaders from both countries describing the cross-border power trade as a stepping stone toward a broader regional energy partnership.
Speaking at a program marking the restart of electricity flow from Nepal to Bangladesh, Nepal’s Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha recalled the historic beginning of power exports to Bangladesh in 2024 and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand.
In a video message, he called for stronger collective efforts to build a long-term and sustainable energy partnership, emphasizing the growing importance of regional collaboration in addressing future energy needs.
The resumption of power imports comes as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its energy sources amid rising electricity demand and growing concerns over dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Representing Bangladesh at the event, BNP Standing Committee member and Member of Parliament Abdul Moyeen Khan welcomed the restart of electricity imports and said Dhaka was keen to broaden cooperation with Nepal in the energy sector.
He expressed hope that ongoing collaboration would eventually evolve into a coordinated regional energy framework enabling smoother cross-border electricity trade across South Asia.
Power Division Additional Secretary KM Ali Reza described the initiative as a demonstration of the untapped potential of regional energy connectivity.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working with Nepal and other regional partners to strengthen energy security through cross-border cooperation.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari said the growing energy partnership reflects both countries’ shared interests and complements Nepal’s vast hydropower potential and Bangladesh’s expanding energy requirements.
He noted that electricity trade between the two countries is not only an economic opportunity but also a contribution to cleaner and more sustainable energy development in the region.
The program, organized by the Nepal Embassy in Dhaka, brought together policymakers, senior government officials, energy experts, business leaders and representatives from the power sector to discuss future prospects for regional electricity cooperation.
The latest power flow further strengthens a landmark arrangement that made Bangladesh the first country to import Nepalese hydropower, opening a new chapter in regional energy connectivity.
