Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud has said the interim government inherited nearly Tk 56,000 crore in unpaid liabilities in the country’s power sector from the previous administration, creating a heavy financial burden that continues to affect the sector.
Speaking as the chief guest at a citizens’ dialogue on the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) recently, Iqbal said the government is simultaneously clearing past dues while meeting current financial obligations, requiring substantial monthly subsidies to keep the sector operational.
The dialogue was organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), where energy expert Prof Dr. M. Shamsul Alam presented the keynote paper.
Iqbal noted that long-term power purchase agreements signed earlier are compelling the government to buy electricity at comparatively high prices. He warned that delays in settling outstanding payments to power producers could disrupt electricity generation, making tariff adjustments unavoidable.
