In Bangladesh, where frequent power outages or load shedding are common, having a reliable backup power solution is crucial. This is where an IPS (Instant Power Supply) or Home UPS comes into play. An IPS provides uninterrupted power to essential appliances and devices during power cuts, ensuring that crucial tasks can be carried out without interruption.  Whether it's running important medical equipment, operating computers, or simply keeping the lights on, an IPS is a necessity for households, offices, and businesses alike. Let’s explore the different types of IPS systems available in Bangladesh under various price ranges. Things to Consider When Buying an IPS or Home UPS When rushing to buy, customers often fall prey to the persuasive tactics employed by sellers, leading them to make ill-informed choices. To avoid such pitfalls, here are a few crucial factors to consider when purchasing an IPS/UPS system. Terms and Works It's important to understand the distinction between IPS and UPS. While both supply power during a mains power failure, UPS seamlessly switches the connection without any noticeable power drop, whereas IPS requires a minimum of one second or more to switch. Nowadays, most IPS systems come equipped with UPS functionality, allowing them to function interchangeably. Read more: Top Charger Fans in Bangladesh in 2023 Types When it comes to UPS systems, there are two types to choose from: online and offline. Offline UPS systems are more affordable but are better suited for short power outages. On the other hand, online UPS systems tend to be more stable and reliable, and the higher the price, the better the quality you can expect. Power Coverage Before making a purchase, it's crucial to calculate the power requirements of your devices and the number of connected devices. The IPS/UPS system may not perform optimally if the demand exceeds the supply. You can determine the wattage of each device by checking the information stamped on the appliance itself. Warranty Warranty is vital, as the lifespan of an IPS/UPS system is typically determined by the battery's longevity. Batteries usually last around two to three years, so it's important to check the warranty coverage provided. Read more: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Price Price is undoubtedly a significant factor while choosing an IPS/UPS system. As a result, prospective buyers must exercise caution and consider their options carefully, as it represents a significant investment. Selecting the right IPS/UPS system depends on identifying and aligning the essential features with your specific needs and budget. A clear understanding of what one is looking for will simplify one’s decision-making. Features and Prices of Some Popular IPS/Home UPS Models Available in Bangladesh Best IPS Under BDT 15,000 Luminous IPS Eco Watt Neo 1050 12V The Luminous Eco Volt Neo 1050 IPS with a 200 AH battery is a product from the Luminous brand. It offers a sine wave inverter type with a capacity of 900 VA and a rated power of 756 W. This IPS supports a single battery and has a maximum charging current of 17A. The dimensions of the device are 27.5x26.2x12.0 cm. It comes with a 2-year warranty. Read more: Inverter AC Prices in Bangladesh in 2023 The specially designed 200 AH lead-acid rechargeable battery ensures high energy density and heavy-duty performance. This IPS is ideal for 1000VA IPS/UPS standard use. The price of this product is BDT 11,999. Rahimafrooz Power Pack 900VA The Rahimafrooz Power Pack 900VA IPS is a versatile and efficient power solution. It functions as both a UPS and an IPS, offering dual-mode functionality. A pure sine wave output ensures a smooth and stable power supply. The inverter capacity is 900VA, with a rated power of 725 watts, allowing it to handle various electrical loads. It includes a battery with a capacity of up to 200Ah, providing ample backup power. The IPS features overloading, overcharging, and short-circuit protection for enhanced safety. It can support 9 LED energy lights, 4 ceiling fans, 1 LED or LCD television, and 3 mobile chargers. The price of the Rahimafrooz Power Pack 900VA IPS in Bangladesh is BDT 13,000. Read more: Air Cooler price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips Smarten IPS-700VA This reliable and powerful system, manufactured in India, is considered one of the best IPS in Bangladesh. With a capacity of 500 Watts, it can easily support up to 6 or 7 lights and 3 fans, ensuring a comfortable and well-lit environment during power cuts. The user-friendly design and efficient performance make it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. With a recommended 12-volt battery, you can enjoy uninterrupted power for extended periods. The Smarten brand is reputable and trusted in the electronics industry, known for delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations. The Smarten IPS system is an excellent investment for your home or office, offering impressive features and reliable performance. It comes with a 2-year warranty, and the price is BDT 14,000. Read more: Dhaka alone experiencing over 600 MW of load shedding during daytime

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas Thursday said the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) is a positive, shared vision for creating a region where all nations can thrive – Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the US, and each and every other county in the region. "The Indo-Pacific Strategy is not a military alliance. Nor does it seek to become one," he said, adding that the IPS is not about a contest between a US-centric region and a China-centric region. "Indeed, we view the Indo-Pacific as its own region." Read: US engagement in Indo-Pacific not against any country: Miller While addressing the international conference on "Moving Forward in the Indo-Pacific: Bangladesh's Role in Fostering an Open, Resilient, and Interconnected Bay of Bengal and Beyond" the US envoy said the IPS is not designed to make anyone choose between countries. One of the key tenets of the strategy is that every country should be able to choose its own path, free from pressure or coercion, he said. The US Embassy in Dhaka and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) jointly organised the conference at the university auditorium. The US ambassador said they will seek "closer security cooperation" with partners to tackle challenges – violent extremism, illegal fishing and human trafficking where Bangladesh has made incredible strides. "The United States is proud to partner with Bangladesh on these challenges and more," he said. Ambassador Haas said they are developing a comprehensive Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will include shared objectives in key areas – climate and clean energy, fair trade facilitation, resilient supply chains, and the digital economy. "I look forward to working on these issues with the people and the government of Bangladesh in the coming months," he said, adding that they will bolster Indo-Pacific security.

Bangladesh has underscored the need for having an economic component in the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), in response to which the US side informed that "Economic Framework" of the IPS would be released soon. During the Partnership Dialogue held at State guesthouse Padma on Sunday, the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to enduring partnership, highlighting close cooperation on security, development, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism. The two governments agreed to continue to cooperate closely to advance a shared vision of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Bangladesh and the US also passed a “draft” on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) which is seen as a "gateway" to do more on the security front. "Today, we passed a draft agreement and we are very confident that we will be able to get the issue settled so that we can do more on the security side together," US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland told reporters during a joint media briefing. The United States is currently working with the Government of Bangladesh to conclude certain foundational defence agreements (GSOMIA and ACSA), which are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between our two countries. The GSOMIA is a foundational government-to-government bilateral agreement that will permit greater collaboration and sharing of classified military information in the form of intelligence and classified information U.S. defence equipment.   GSOMIA is a reciprocal, legally binding agreement that ensures governments understand and commit to protecting classified military information at an equivalent level of security, according to US documents. It does not obligate or commit governments to share classified information or material, it only ensures equivalent protection of the information if shared.   Responding to a question, Nuland said there are economic, security and technology elements in the IPS and they would love to see Bangladesh be involved in much of it (IPS). Discussion on the issue of repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas also took place. Bangladesh shared its priority on the repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas as soon as possible. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen who led the Bangladesh side suggested that the recently concluded MoU between Bangladesh and UNHCR on Bhasan Char should pave the way for US humanitarian assistance in Bhasan Char. Nuland assured of the US’s continued political and humanitarian support for the Rohingya crisis. The FS also called upon the US side to consider restoring GSP facilities for Bangladeshi RMG exports and also requested US support for the trade facilitation proposals for graduating LDCs in the auspices of the WTO.

Bangladesh has conveyed to the United States that it is giving much focus on infrastructure development for overall economic growth of the country and showed no interest towards security aspects of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

Bangladesh has invited the United States to explore opportunities in offshore blocks as Bangladesh identified 20 blocks through maritime boundary settlement.

The United States has said it is "excited" to work with Bangladesh under Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), terming Bangladesh a huge country with incredible opportunities.