December 2, 2024: Tripura has demanded the immediate settlement of outstanding electricity dues worth Rs 135 crore from Bangladesh, in accordance with the power trade agreement facilitated through NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. The demand follows a history of delayed payments and increasing tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Tripura’s Power Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, confirmed that Bangladesh had regularly made payments in the past, but the outstanding amount of Rs 135 crore remains unpaid. He emphasized that the current rate of Rs 6.65 per unit for the power supplied to Bangladesh is competitive, especially when compared to domestic connections within India.

"We have been patient with the payments from Bangladesh, but it is crucial that these dues are cleared immediately. Despite the regular payments previously, this outstanding sum cannot be ignored any longer," said Minister Nath on Sunday.

The demand for the pending dues comes at a time of rising political and social tensions between India and Bangladesh. Recent events, including an alleged attack on an Agartala-Kolkata bus traveling through Dhaka’s Brahmanbaria district on Saturday, have further strained relations. Following an accident involving a truck and an auto-rickshaw, a group of people reportedly threatened the bus passengers and shouted anti-India slogans. While there were no casualties, the incident has raised concerns about rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.

This is not the first instance of strained relations over power issues. In May 2024, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) had restricted power supply to Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) after the latter failed to make payments on time. This marked a clear signal from Tripura about the importance of adhering to financial commitments under the power supply agreement.