Solar power, not quick rentals, to tackle electricity crisis: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh could address its electricity crisis through affordable solar power and other cost-effective measures rather than “looting” in the name of quick-rental power plants, announcing a target to add 3,000-4,000 megawatts of solar electricity to the national grid before next summer.
“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 Dhaka.
The prime minister said the government was aware of public suffering over the country's energy and electricity situation and had taken comprehensive measures to ensure long-term energy security.
The measures include stabilising energy and power supplies, reviewing expenditure and contracts in the power sector, intensifying domestic gas exploration, diversifying energy sources and accelerating solar power expansion, he said.
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% by 2040.
As part of this initiative, the government had initially allocated Tk1,500 crore to facilitate financing for the solar power sector, with further funds to be arranged gradually.
Describing renewable energy as an unavoidable reality for Bangladesh, he said the government wanted to ensure that entrepreneurs and investors did not miss out on opportunities because of a lack of financing.

He said 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 in the sector.
Under the net metering system, the government would purchase surplus electricity supplied to the national grid at Tk10.50 per unit, including incentives, from February 2027, he added.
The prime minister expressed hope that unused rooftops of government and private offices, educational institutions, hospitals, industries, commercial establishments and residential buildings would be brought under solar power generation.
He also said the government was gradually converting electricity-powered irrigation pumps into solar-powered ones to reduce farmers' production costs, protect the environment and save electricity.
Highlighting the risks of dependence on imported energy, Tarique Rahman said international conflicts and disruptions to global supply chains had exposed the country's vulnerability.
The government provided Tk43,000 crore in subsidies to the power sector in the 2025-26 fiscal year to keep energy and electricity supplies as normal as possible, he said.
It had also increased diesel reserves, taken initiatives to ensure adequate coal supplies for power plants, maintained contact with alternative suppliers and allocated Tk600 crore to procure 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, he said.
Seeking support from development partners, the prime minister said they could provide financial and technical assistance not only for large projects but also for solar initiatives undertaken by small local entrepreneurs and businesses. He also highlighted investment opportunities for expatriate Bangladeshis.
He called on people to make maximum use of natural daylight and switch off unnecessary lights, fans and electronic devices at homes, offices and business establishments.
Referring to his own experience, Tarique Rahman 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 service, while asking power distribution companies and relevant agencies to maintain regular communication with entrepreneurs and resolve their problems.
The prime minister also said the government had allocated Tk500 crore annually in the current budget for startups to ensure that innovative ideas, particularly those of young entrepreneurs, did not suffer for lack of funding.
After inaugurating the expo under the theme “Utilise Every Inch of Rooftop, Increase Income from Solar Power”, he visited different stalls and distributed prizes among winners of the 'Sphuran: In Search of Sustainable Energy Innovation 2026' competition.
The expo, 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), showcases solar technologies, investment opportunities, government incentives, green financing and solar-powered irrigation.
The event aims to support implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026-2030).
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku chaired the programme. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, among others, attended.