BPDB faces Tk90,397cr net loss despite heavy subsidy support

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) continues to carry a massive financial burden, with net losses still standing at around Tk90,397 crore even after receiving substantial government subsidies over the years, according to data presented at a policy discussion in Dhaka.
The statement was made during the opening session of the Green Energy Olympiad 2026 Grand Finale held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday, according to a press release.
The event was inaugurated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapon, who emphasised the need for practical, hands-on learning to address energy and environmental challenges.
The welcome address and concept presentation were delivered by Hasan Mehedi, chief executive of the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), who presented the BPDB loss and subsidy figures while highlighting the urgency of youth engagement in the energy transition.
He noted that between the fiscal 2007-08 and FY25, BPDB incurred total losses of approximately Tk2,67,784 crore. During the same period, government subsidies amounting to about Tk1,77,387 crore were provided to partially offset operational deficits.
“Even after this level of subsidy support, the net loss remains around Tk90,397 crore,” Mehedi said, underscoring the scale of the financial gap in the sector.
Special guests at the event included Ashanur Rahman, chief economist and country business manager of City Bank; Selim Ullah Khan, deputy director of Power Cell; Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, CEO of Direct Renewable Energy Limited; Tanzina Dilshad, programme manager of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; and Zahidul Alam, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA).
The session was chaired by ProfDr Kazi Maruful Islam of the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, who described the Olympiad as a platform for knowledge building and innovation among students.

Policy experts, development partners, and energy sector representatives at the event stressed that long-term stability in the power sector would depend on reducing dependency on subsidies and accelerating structural reforms alongside clean energy expansion.
Speakers also underscored the importance of renewable energy expansion, sustainability, and youth participation in shaping Bangladesh’s future energy landscape.
The Green Energy Olympiad 2026 brings together students from 147 institutions, with 50 finalists competing in the Grand Finale after three rounds of selection.