Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha today said Bangladesh owes the state approximately Rs 200 crore in electricity bills, adding that they continue to supply power despite growing dues, reports Press Trust of India (PTI).

"Bangladesh has not paid us about Rs 200 crore for electricity. The outstanding amount is increasing every day. We hope they will clear their dues so that the power supply is not disrupted," Saha told PTI in Agartala.

Tripura supplies 60-70 megawatts to Bangladesh through a contract between the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited and the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited with the Bangladesh Power Development Board.

On the possibility of suspending power supply, if payments are delayed further, Saha said, "No decision has been taken on it yet."

The state began supplying power to Bangladesh in 2016.

"But I don't know how long we will be able to continue the supply of electricity to Bangladesh if they don't clear the dues," the CM added.

Saha also noted that there has been no significant influx of refugees into Tripura following recent unrest in Bangladesh.

Saha assured strong action regarding a recent security breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala.

"We have arrested several people involved and taken action against the policemen responsible for the breach," he said.

The chief minister highlighted a decline in imports of Bangladeshi goods like cement, stone chips, and Hilsa fish, following political changes in Bangladesh.

"Trade has been affected. It is their loss," he said.

Saha also stressed the importance of connectivity improvements. He pointed to the potential benefits of restoring the Agartala-Dhaka rail line and ensuring uninterrupted access to Chattogram port for Northeast India.

"If Chattogram port is allowed to be used without any disruption, the entire Northeastern states will be significantly benefitted," he said.