Cabinet clears solar power law, reform in procurement policy

The cabinet on Monday approved three proposals – the Special Solar Power Installation Act, 2026, 22 effective public holidays in 2027 and the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Act, 2026.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, following submissions by the Power Division, the public administration ministry and the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

The cabinet gave final approval to the draft Special Solar Power Installation Act, 2026, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The Power Division initiated the proposal to turn the Special Solar Power Ordinance, 2026, into an Act of Parliament to ensure the continued and accelerated expansion of special solar power installation activities.

The Cabinet approved 29 proposed public holidays for 2027: 15 general holidays, including four overlapping with weekly holidays (two Fridays and two Saturdays), and 14 executive-order holidays for the Bengali New Year and religious festivals, including three overlaps (one Friday and two Saturdays).

Excluding seven weekly holidays (three Fridays and four Saturdays), the effective total is 22 days.

The Cabinet approved the public administration ministry's proposal allowing government employees up to three days of annual optional religious leave and ethnic minority employees nationwide two days for Baishabi or similar traditional festivals.

Draft MLA agreement with Hong Kong placed before cabinet

Meanwhile, the draft Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Agreement in Criminal Matters between Bangladesh and Hong Kong has been placed before the cabinet for approval, aiming to strengthen cooperation in recovering money laundered out of the country.

The agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information, evidence and assistance in criminal cases between Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong sent the draft on 14 May 2025 to support money recovery efforts. After Bangladesh’s consular consent and inter-ministerial meetings, online negotiations took place on 15–16 October 2025.

The draft was sent for legal vetting on 8 February 2026 and returned on 16 March, then sent to the Foreign Ministry on 7 May.

Hong Kong’s Department of Justice accepted Bangladesh’s draft and returned it to the Home Ministry on 17 October. With no substantive policy changes, it was submitted to the Cabinet for approval before signing.