Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, announced that the government plans to produce 5,000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy within the next five years. He made the statement at a seminar marking the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka. The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman raised the issue of solar power in his second cabinet meeting and sought a detailed plan to expand generation.

Mahmud criticized the previous government for keeping the power sector import-dependent, which left a financial burden of Tk 56,000 crore. He outlined plans to install rooftop solar panels across Dhaka and other areas through private investment, suggesting tax exemptions and incentives to encourage participation. He also proposed using unused government land for solar installations.

At the seminar, BUET professor Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan presented a roadmap targeting 30 percent renewable energy by 2030, emphasizing the need for strong grid systems, tariff reforms, and policy support. The paper highlighted challenges such as land scarcity, high import duties, and bureaucratic delays that hinder solar expansion.