Bangladesh
is poised to sign the tripartite agreement with Nepal and India soon to import
hydropower from Nepal via Indian transmission lines, according to Power, Energy
and Mineral Resources Adviser Md Fouzul Kabir Khan.
"A
delegation of the interim government will visit Nepal soon to sign the
agreement for import and export of power," he said while speaking as the
chief guest at a reception programme marking Nepal's National and Constitution
Day at a city hotel on Friday (September 20) evening.
Bangladesh,
Nepal and India recently agreed to sign an agreement to import 40MW of
electricity from Nepal via India six years after they reached an understanding
on energy cooperation, according to the official source.
At
the reception, hosted by Nepal Embassy in Dhaka, the Power, Energy and Mineral
Resources Adviser expressed satisfaction over the growing engagements between
Bangladesh and Nepal.
Commending
the friendship and cooperation of Nepal and Nepali people, he underscored the
need to accelerate bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, energy,
connectivity, and people-to-people contacts, among others.
In
his welcome remarks, Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari highlighted that the day
marked the historic promulgation of a democratic and inclusive Constitution in
2015.
"The
day reminds us of the Nepali spirit of patriotism, democracy, and diversity,
and is a testimony to the Nepali people's ability to resolve their political
issues and differences on their own," he said.
He
said as Bangladesh is passing through a transition period, Nepal is committed
to stand by the interim government and its people with solidarity to provide
all support and cooperation.
The
envoy also mentioned that a tripartite deal on the export of 40 MW electricity
from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian transmission line is expected to be
concluded sometime soon.
Shedding
light on the relationship between Nepal and Bangladesh, he emphasized the need
to leverage the transformative power of solidarity and cooperation to boost
connectivity and propel economic development and prosperity for the mutual
benefit of the peoples of both countries.
A
cultural programme showcasing Nepali folk-dance performances was held in the
second half of the event.
The
event was attended by political leaders of Bangladesh, high-level government
officials, ambassadors, heads of missions and diplomats, representatives of
international organizations, business leaders, media personnel, and members of
the Nepali community living in Bangladesh.