DHAKA, June 6, 2026 – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government has shielded 65 percent of the country’s low-income and marginal electricity consumers from the impact of the latest power tariff adjustment amid the ongoing global energy crisis. Report BSS
Speaking at an emergency press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat, the minister said the recent tariff adjustment by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) would not affect the majority of ordinary consumers.
“About 65 percent of general and low-income electricity users have been kept completely outside the scope of the tariff increase. Although they were previously subject to BERC’s tariff adjustments, the government has ensured protection for this segment of the population,” he said.
Swapon described BERC as a quasi-judicial body that carries out routine tariff reviews based on established criteria. However, he said the government’s priority was to protect vulnerable consumers from additional financial burdens.
The briefing was also attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, who presented a written statement from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources explaining the rationale behind the latest adjustments.
The minister said Bangladesh, like many energy-importing countries, is facing significant challenges due to global energy market volatility. He noted that greater domestic energy development in previous years could have reduced the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
Referring to alleged irregularities in the energy sector during past administrations, Swapon said the government is working to restore transparency and efficiency while pursuing long-term plans to achieve greater energy security and maintain affordable prices.
He added that despite the tariff adjustment, the government continues to provide substantial subsidies to the power sector, amounting to around Tk 41,000 crore, to support consumers and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining regular communication with the media and ensuring transparency and accountability in public policymaking.
