State Minister Aninda Islam Amit spoke at a press conference on power situation at Bidyut Bhaban, Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, July 6, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit today said the government is working to eliminate 
the disparity in electricity supply between urban and rural areas through modernisation of the distribution system and strengthening of the transmission network.

"The existing disparity stemmed from long-standing limitations in transmission infrastructure and a centrally concentrated power system, but 
those problems would be addressed gradually," he told a press conference on the country's power situation at Bidyut Bhaban in the capital today.

Amit said the government is implementing various initiatives to modernise the power distribution system, strengthen transmission facilities and improve 
customer services to ensure more balanced electricity supply across the country.

He also said the government is reducing dependence on imported fuel by placing greater emphasis on renewable energy, with a target of achieving 
nearly 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity from renewable sources.

Referring to power plant agreements signed under the Special Powers Act, Amit said the government could not cancel those contracts overnight as they remain 
legally binding. Instead, discussions are being held with the respective companies to review and revise contractual terms wherever possible, rather than terminating the agreements unilaterally.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Engineer Rezaul Karim, Rural Electrification Board (REB) Chairman Major General SM Zia-ul-Azim and senior officials of the Power Division were present at the briefing.

Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, who presented a written statement on June electricity bills, said public concerns over higher electricity bills 
were being closely monitored and all power distribution companies had been instructed to investigate complaints.

She said, following the Prime Minister's directive, distribution agencies had promptly addressed complaints, with most of them already resolved. Strict 
administrative action would be taken against any official found responsible for negligence or customer harassment.

The secretary said the increase in June electricity bills was primarily due to the implementation of the new electricity tariff, not technical faults in electricity meters.She explained that many prepaid customers are now recharging more frequently because the new tariff has increased overall costs despite similar levels of electricity consumption.

Mahrukh also said electricity demand rose significantly in recent weeks due to relatively low rainfall, Eid-ul-Azha, the ongoing heatwave, the FIFA World 
Cup and SSC and equivalent examinations, along with increased use of air conditioners, fans and other electrical appliances in both urban and rural 
areas.

She said the government continues to provide subsidies to reduce the burden on consumers while working to improve power generation, transmission and distribution efficiency, reduce system losses and expand prepaid and smart metering services.

The secretary urged customers with concerns about their electricity bills to contact the customer service centres of their respective distribution companies, saying authorities would arrange meter inspections, bill verification and complaint resolution where necessary.
 
She also noted that, under the latest Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) directive, the previous monthly two percent compound late payment 
surcharge has been replaced with a one-time five percent surcharge on outstanding electricity bills.

Mahrukh reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting consumers' interests, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and making the power sector financially sustainable in the long term.