Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh plans to add 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts of solar power to the national grid before next summer, stressing that affordable renewable energy, rather than costly quick-rental power plants, is the sustainable solution to the country’s electricity crisis.
“Instead of looting in the name of quick rentals, it is certainly possible to resolve the electricity problem through affordable means,” he said on Tuesday while inaugurating the two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The prime minister said the government was aware of public suffering caused by the country’s energy and electricity situation and had taken comprehensive measures to ensure long-term energy security.
He said the government was working simultaneously 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% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30% by 2040.
To support the expansion of solar energy, the government has initially allocated Tk 1,500 crore in a dedicated fund to facilitate financing for the sector. Additional funds will be arranged gradually, he added.
He said the government wanted to ensure that entrepreneurs and investors in renewable energy did not face financial constraints.
The prime minister also mentioned that the government had formulated the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance 2026 and introduced policy support, tax and tariff benefits, and financial incentives to encourage investment.
Under the net metering system, the government will purchase surplus electricity supplied to the national grid at Tk 10.50 per unit, including incentives, from February 2027.
He called for bringing unused rooftops of government and private offices, educational institutions, hospitals, industrial facilities, commercial establishments and residential buildings under solar power generation.
The government is also working to gradually convert electricity-powered irrigation pumps into solar-powered ones to reduce farmers’ production costs, protect the environment and save electricity from the national grid.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s dependence on imported energy, Tarique Rahman said international conflicts and disruptions in global supply chains had exposed the country’s vulnerability.
He said the government provided Tk 43,000 crore in subsidies to the power sector in the 2025-26 fiscal year to maintain a stable energy and electricity supply.
The government has also increased diesel reserves, taken steps to ensure adequate coal supplies for coal-fired power plants, maintained contact with alternative suppliers and allocated Tk 600 crore to procure fuel oil for electricity generation.
The prime minister said ensuring adequate electricity to meet public demand was the government’s responsibility, while using it efficiently and economically was the responsibility of citizens.
He urged people to make maximum use of natural daylight and switch off unnecessary lights, fans and electronic appliances at homes, offices and business establishments.
Seeking support from development partners, he said financial and technical assistance should be extended not only to large-scale projects but also to solar initiatives undertaken by small local entrepreneurs and businesses. He also highlighted investment opportunities for expatriate Bangladeshis.
Tarique Rahman said achieving the renewable energy targets would require joint efforts by the government, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development partners and the public.
He further said the government had allocated Tk 500 crore annually in the current budget to support startups, ensuring that innovative ideas, particularly those developed by young entrepreneurs, did not fail due to a lack of funding.
Referring to his personal experience, the prime minister said he had installed solar panels at his residence and was already supplying surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting household needs.
He urged solar service providers to ensure proper installation, regular maintenance and quality customer services. He also called on power distribution companies and relevant agencies to maintain regular communication with entrepreneurs and address their concerns.
The prime minister inaugurated the expo under the theme “Utilise Every Inch of Rooftop, Increase Income from Solar Power” and visited various exhibition stalls showcasing modern solar technologies.
Jointly organised 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.
The expo also showcases government incentives, environment-friendly technologies, tax and tariff benefits, green and climate financing, carbon credits, solar-powered irrigation, and training and skills development opportunities.
The event aims to support the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026-2030) and familiarise stakeholders with government policies and incentives for expanding solar power.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku chaired the inaugural ceremony. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, among others, attended the event.
The prime minister also distributed prizes among winners of the ‘Sphuran: In Search of Sustainable Energy Innovation 2026’ competition.
