B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh government is planning to introduce around 1,400 electric buses as part of a major initiative to modernise the country’s public transport system, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote environmentally friendly mobility.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque said the government is implementing several projects to build the country’s largest-ever electric bus fleet, according to an interview with the media.
A proposal to procure 500 electric buses is currently undergoing financing procedures. Another project, supported by South Korea, is being revised to increase the number of buses beyond the planned 300, while a World Bank-backed project to purchase 400 electric buses is awaiting approval.
The government has also added two separate procurement packages worth Tk 4 billion each to speed up the purchase process. More than 100 buses are planned for a dedicated fleet aimed at improving transport services for women.
If all projects are implemented, nearly 1,400 electric buses will be added to the public transport network. Authorities expect at least 200 buses to begin operating on selected routes by December this year or early next year.
To support electric vehicles, the government is developing a nationwide universal charging network based on common technical standards. The charging stations will be open to both public and private operators.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) also plans to establish charging stations on its own land across all 64 districts, with surplus capacity available for commercial use by private operators.
A committee comprising experts from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) is preparing national technical standards covering batteries, charging systems and mechanical support to ensure compatibility among different manufacturers.
The government is also assessing the feasibility of introducing monorail services on routes where metro rail is not suitable, while integrated planning for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is underway.
Dr. Haque said the government is considering tax incentives and other financial support to encourage private operators to invest in electric buses. Discussions are also ongoing with the Finance Ministry on subsidies and fare structures to balance higher operating costs with affordable fares.
