Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for  facilitation of the cross-border power sector cooperation with Nepal.

Hasina, who is currently in New Delhi for a four-day official visit, made such request during a meeting with Modi on Saturday.

According a joint statement issued after a delegation level meeting, Bangladesh PM Hasina requested Indian PM Modi for facilitation of cross-border power sector cooperation with Nepal.

Officials said Bangladesh, which has been facing power outrage, wants to purchase power directly from Nepal. For that purpose, Bangladesh wants India’s support for the transmission line. 

This idea has already been discussed in the meetings of sub-regional body BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal). Under the same framework agreement, some Bangladeshis have shown their interests to invest in Nepal’s hydropower projects.  Nepal government is yet to take its call on the issue.

“Under the BBIN framework, Bangladesh is negotiating with Government of Nepal to develop some projects. There will be a request to India to provide transmission facility charges fees,” said a high-level government official. 

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the areas of power, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity for the mutual benefit.

“In this context, they noted the progress made by the Joint Working Groups of sub-regional cooperation between Bangladhes, Bhutan, India and Nepal on water resources manager, trade, transit and connectivity,” the joint press statement reads. 

However, motor vehicle agreement among four countries under BBIN framework has not made any headway due to the protest inside Bhutan.  The Bhutan’s Parliament is yet to endorse this agreement. The BBIN supposed to be implemented last year was delayed due to the internal dispute in Bhutan. For its implementation, details have to be worked out regarding protocol such as vehicle type, route, charges and regulations.

Of late, India is pushing BBIN as an alternative to Saarc for the regional economic cooperation and connectivity.  BBIN was an agreement for the regulation of passengers, personal and cargo vehicular traffic among the four countries, a sub-regional body under Saarc framework.

“If Bhutan delays, Nepal, India and Bangladesh could move ahead to implement the connectivity projects,” a Delhi-based diplomat told the Post requesting anonymity.