DHAKA, Aug 27, 2023 (BSS)-State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said that the government wants to build a transmission line between Bangladesh and Nepal.

“We want to install transmission line from Bangladesh to Nepal, so that we can export electricity to Nepal in winter. Apart from this, import of hydropower from Nepal is almost final,” he told Pankaj Gupta, South Asia Regional Director (Infrastructure) of the World Bank (WB) at his ministry office.

The WB regional director paid a courtesy call on Nasrul Hamid and discussed various issues related to mutual interests.

Informing about the ongoing and upcoming projects run by the World Bank, the state minister said a power hub is being built in the southern part of the country, which requires funding for transmission lines and smart grid.

“Investment is needed to the power sector, as the wind mapping is done. About 10,000 MW of electricity generation from renewable sources has been approved,” he added.

Nasrul Hamid said that efforts have been made to replace new gas pipeline, adding, “We want that the World Bank to be on our side on a bigger scale.”

The World Bank Director said, “I would like to work with Bangladesh on various projects. Energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency and private sector financing can be supported.”

He emphasized on speeding up the work of gas prepaid metering project.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to Strategic Policy Dialogue, Future Engagement and Power and Energy Sector Portfolio.

Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar, Energy Division Additional Secretary Humayun Kabir, Power Division Additional Secretary Nurul Alam, World Bank Energy Practice Manager Simon J Stolp, World Bank Operations Manager Gayle Martin were present during the discussion.