Government Moves to Mandate Solar Panels for Every Household in Dhaka

Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, the Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, announced this plan while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the three-day "BIID Expo" held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Minister stated that the government is working to make solar power an accessible and affordable alternative backup system for the general public. To facilitate this transition, a specific policy will be formulated and a formal government order will be issued by June. He acknowledged that due to a lack of effective leadership in the past, solar energy did not see widespread adoption in the country, but asserted that the current administration is now giving top priority to renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power.

Regarding concerns over utility costs, the Minister assured the public that there are currently no plans to increase electricity prices. Instead, he emphasized that shifting toward sustainable sources like solar energy is a necessity of the time to ensure long-term national energy security. The BIID Expo serves as a platform for various local and international companies in the power, energy, and construction sectors to showcase their latest technologies and equipment, which are expected to support the government's vision of a greener city. By implementing this mandatory solar policy, the government aims to transform Dhaka into a more energy-efficient urban center while promoting environmental sustainability. This move is seen as a critical component of the broader strategy to modernize the country's energy infrastructure and provide reliable power to its citizens.