To overcome the ongoing energy crisis stemming from prolonged gas exploration shortfalls and heavy import dependency, the government has rolled out an integrated roadmap. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted plans to ensure national energy security by scaling up domestic gas production, exploring new gas reserves, and expanding LNG infrastructure.
In tandem with the government’s master plan, Rural Power Company Limited (RPCL) has launched strategic initiatives to boost power generation. By reviving shut-in units, resolving gas transmission bottlenecks, accelerating solar projects, and launching new developments, RPCL aims to add approximately 520 MW of capacity to the national grid within the next year.
Under the leadership of A.H.M. Rashed who took charge as Managing Director of RPCL and RNPL on November 19, 2025 the company identified and prioritized long-standing technical, legal, administrative, and infrastructural bottlenecks.
Restoring Idle Units The GT-4 unit at the Mymensingh 210 MW Power Plant, offline since April 6, 2025, due to compressor damage, returned to operation on June 6, 2026. Restored through joint efforts by original equipment manufacturers and RPCL engineers, the plant's operational availability increased from 75 percent to 100 percent.
Resolving Gas Infrastructure Bottlenecks Land acquisition and requisition delays had stalled the Dhanua-Mymensingh 20-inch gas pipeline project, essential for the Mymensingh 360 MW Power Plant. Inter-agency coordination helped resolve the impasse, leading to ECNEC approval for the revised project proposal on May 13 and final contract signing on June 29. Construction has reached 90 percent completion.
Progress in Renewable Energy The 100 MW Madarganj Solar Power Project, halted on August 20, 2025, resumed operations on February 5, 2026. Following the approval of a second revised proposal, the project timeline has been extended to June 2027.
Meanwhile, the Patuakhali 1,320 MW Coal-Fired Power Plant, previously hampered by High Court injunctions on coal imports, achieved Commercial Operation Date (COD) on May 27 after resolving legal and technical issues. The facility is currently operating at full capacity.
Financial Recovery and Expansion RPCL has improved its financial position, reducing outstanding receivables from the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) from 1,400 crore BDT to 1,100 crore BDT by recovering approximately 300 crore BDT. Capacity assessments for three oil-based power plants in Gazipur and Raozan have also been completed.
On the administrative front, 79 vacant positions out of 441 sanctioned posts were filled through recruitment and promotions. Additionally, a new 70 MW power project has been initiated in Gazaria, Munshiganj.
