Bangladesh plans to privatise power distribution

The plan forms part of a broader policy to reduce the state's role in delivering public services

The government is devising ways to transfer Bangladesh's electricity distribution system to the private sector in a move aimed at improving bill collection and reducing the state's financial burden.

Power Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku said the move reflects Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's broader policy direction of expanding private sector participation in public services.

"The prime minister's clear instruction is that there is no need for the government to do everything with public funds. Wherever possible, responsibility should be given to the private sector," Tuku said at a policy dialogue titled "Bangladesh's Energy Security and Transition" on Wednesday.

"Among the power distribution companies under my ministry, I would like to see privatisation in the long term," he added.