Dhaka, April 24 -- Bangladesh has invited bids for a third liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal as the country faces recurring electricity shortages, a minister has said.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced the plan on Friday while visiting a river dredging project in Sylhet.

He said technical problems had disrupted gas imports, contributing to increased "load shedding" or blackouts.

"Despite sufficient funds, load shedding has increased as gas imports have been disrupted because of some technical problems," he told reporters.

"The government is working to resolve the problem. Tenders are being invited for the construction of a new terminal to increase LNG import capacity."

Bangladesh currently operates two fl...