- Power, Energy and Mineral Resources minister  Iqbal Hassan Mahmood. File photo

DHAKA, June 12, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources minister 
Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has said that agreements signed during the previous 
government under the name of capacity charges have created a significant 
financial burden on the state. 

"Under the name of capacity charge, the previous government has left a major 
financial burden on this government. The new government cannot change 
everything overnight. These issues must be resolved through legal processes," 
he said.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials during visits to 
the Power Grid Bangladesh PLC (PGCB) and the National Load Dispatch Centre 
(NLDC) in the capital today.

He noted that the government is reviewing the matter and has taken 
initiatives to adopt necessary measures as it is legally and contractually 
sensitive.

"The Ministry of Law is reviewing the matters and existing agreements are 
also being re-evaluated, and necessary steps will be taken accordingly," he 
said. 

He said that although production and transmission capacity in the power 
sector has increased, development of the distribution system has not kept 
pace. As a result, even when generation and transmission infrastructure 
remain operational, limitations persist in the supply system.

Iqbal Hasan Mahmud further said that unplanned expansion of distribution 
lines in the past has led to disruptions in electricity supply in many areas, 
with prolonged outages being reported. 

During the visit, the minister inaugurated a newly built 'Protection and 
Automation Lab' under the System Protection and Metering Circle of the 
national grid.

The minister also disclosed that preparations are being underway to bring the 
first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant into operation in November.