Published: 12:16 AM, 21 May 2026
BPDB proposes hiking power tariff
With a view to reducing subsidies in the power sector, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has proposed raising wholesale electricity tariffs by Tk 1.20 to Tk 1.50 per unit (17-21 percent).
The proposal was formally placed on Wednesday during a public hearing organised by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.
The initiative triggered fierce opposition from an array of stakeholders, including political figures, business leaders, and consumer rights organisations, who warned that the hike will severely impact an already struggling economy.
The BPDB said the government was currently providing a subsidy of around Tk5.47 per unit of electricity sold.
Wholesale electricity, also known as bulk power, refers to electricity sold in large quantities by power generators to utility companies before it reaches consumers.
In Bangladesh, BPDB purchases electricity in bulk from state-owned plants, private power producers and imported sources before selling it to six distribution companies supplying homes, businesses and industries.
Wholesale rates differ depending on the distribution utility purchasing the power from BDPB. Current rates range between Tk4.36 and Tk6.45 per unit.
