The government owes Tk 25,000 crore to private power producers, leading to unpaid bills for over nine months. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB), the primary purchaser of private plants, faces a fund shortage and mounting losses. The President of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association, reveals that delayed budget release for the power sector contributes to the accumulating dues.
While the government explores solutions, The President suggests issuing bonds through the PDB or the government for a one-time arrangement. Despite challenges from the Ukraine-Russia war and COVID-19, the Power Division assures regular payments and hopes to generate 17,500 megawatts this year. The government also plans to reduce high-sulfur fuel oil imports due to the persisting fund crunch.