LATEST
Bangladesh export to US markets increases by 11.51pc in 4 months Govt hopes for renewal as Dec deadline looms Rahul challenges Modi to debate on ‘foreign help’ National security goes beyond military concerns: President PM directs proactive preparations Judiciary risks return of political influence Top university seats become a tough catch Conspiracy on to destroy RMG Turmoil triggers wave of factory closures Fascist forces behind the violence
Skip to content

Wednesday | November 04, 2026 | Dhaka

PM vows solar shift to ease power crisis

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 04 November 2026  Updated: 11:54 PM, 03 November 2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a shift towards affordable solar power and other cost-effective energy solutions to ease Bangladesh’s electricity crisis, criticising what he described as “looting” under quick-rental power arrangements.

He said the government aimed to add 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts of solar power to the national grid before next summer, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported energy and ensure long-term energy security.

“Instead of looting in the name of quick rentals, it is certainly possible to resolve the electricity problem through affordable means,” he said while inaugurating the two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Tuesday.

The prime minister acknowledged public suffering over the country’s energy and electricity situation, saying the government had undertaken comprehensive measures to address the challenges and ensure a sustainable energy supply.

He said the government was simultaneously working to stabilise energy and power supplies, review expenditure and contracts in the power sector, intensify domestic gas exploration, diversify energy sources and accelerate solar power expansion.

Tarique Rahman said the government had set a target of generating 20 per cent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 per cent by 2040.

As part of its solar expansion initiative, the government had initially allocated Tk1,500 crore to a fund to facilitate financing for the sector, with further allocations to be made gradually, he added.

Describing renewable energy as no longer merely a promising prospect but an unavoidable reality for Bangladesh, he said the government wanted to ensure that entrepreneurs and investors did not face barriers to expanding their businesses because of inadequate financing.

He said the target of adding 3,000 to 4,000MW of solar electricity to the national grid before the next summer would be pursued if everything progressed as planned.

To accelerate solar installations, the government had formulated the ‘Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance 2026′ and introduced policy support, tax and tariff benefits, and financial incentives to attract investment.

Under the net metering system, the government will purchase surplus electricity supplied to the national grid at Tk10.50 per unit, including incentives, from February 2027, the prime minister said.

He expressed hope that unused rooftops of government and private offices, educational institutions, hospitals, industrial units, commercial establishments and residential buildings would be brought under solar power generation.

The government was also taking steps to gradually replace electricity-powered irrigation pumps with solar-powered alternatives to reduce farmers’ production costs, protect the environment and save electricity for the national grid, he added.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to international energy market disruptions, Tarique Rahman said excessive dependence on imported energy had exposed the country to supply-chain uncertainties arising from conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

To maintain stability in the energy and power sectors, the government had provided Tk43,000 crore in subsidies to the power sector during the 2025-26 fiscal year, he said.

He added that the government had increased diesel reserves, taken initiatives to ensure adequate coal supplies and stocks for coal-fired power plants, maintained contact with alternative suppliers and allocated Tk600 crore for procuring fuel oil for electricity generation.

Ensuring adequate electricity to meet public demand was the government’s responsibility, while using it efficiently and economically was the responsibility of citizens, the prime minister said.

After inaugurating the exhibition, themed “Utilise Every Inch of Rooftop, Increase Income from Solar Power”, he visited several stalls showcasing solar technologies.

The two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 is being organised jointly for the first time by the Power Division, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL).

The exhibition brings together policymakers, government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, technology providers and entrepreneurs to showcase modern solar power technologies and explore opportunities to expand renewable energy investment in Bangladesh.