The government is focusing on expanding the use of solar power as an alternative energy source amid rising fuel prices, which have reached $32. Electricity and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud expressed hope that increased solar power generation would help reduce load shedding to some extent next summer.
He made the remarks at a briefing held at the Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka on Sunday (November 1), marking the upcoming ‘Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026’.
The minister said energy prices had continued to rise, reaching $32, making the transition to solar power essential. He added that the government was moving forward with various plans to expand solar energy use.
“We have to turn to solar power to overcome this situation. We are working on various plans to promote solar energy. We hope solar power will help reduce load shedding to some extent next summer,” he said.
He also said the government had been working on solar energy for the past eight months. The expo is being organised to encourage people across the country to adopt solar power. According to the minister, this is the first government-organised event of its kind in Bangladesh, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to attend.
Speaking about power shortages in rural areas, the minister said there were several problems with the grid lines operated by the Rural Electrification Board. He expressed hope that load shedding in rural areas would end once these problems were resolved.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s use of solar energy at his residence, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said Tarique Rahman had also moved to an off-grid system and no longer relied on grid electricity at his home.
Criticising the previous administration’s record in the power sector, the minister said that despite claims of significant development over the past 17 years, the consequences of alleged corruption and irregularities in the sector were still being felt.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to expanding solar power, he said various initiatives were being taken to encourage greater public participation in renewable energy use.
