Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today announced Bangladesh's commitment to transitioning towards clean transportation. 'With World Bank support, we are introducing 450 electric buses and building EV charging infrastructure at existing petrol and gas stations. Investors in EV charging, EV imports, and operations will receive the government's full support,' he stated during the 'Fourth edition of the State of Investment Climate - Bangladesh webinar,' hosted by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the webinar was moderated by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun (Ashik Chowdhury), Executive Chairman of BIDA and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, a prominent economist and former Secretary of the Power Division, outlined the government's strategic measures to enhance energy security, transport efficiency, and logistics competitiveness.
Dr. Khan emphasized the development of an integrated multimodal transport plan for Bangladesh. By connecting road, rail, waterways, and riverine communication with goods movement data, the government aims to identify infrastructure gaps, reduce costs, and ensure more efficient mobility. 'This is the backbone of a globally competitive economy,' he noted.
On renewable energy and sustainability, Dr. Khan announced the approval of the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which offers long-term tax holidays and reduced duties for solar technologies. The National Rooftop Solar Programme will equip government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals with rooftop solar units under net metering. The government expects to generate over 3,000 MW of solar power through rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects in the coming years.
Dr. Khan also addressed energy security and gas supply, highlighting Bangladesh's balanced approach in importing 104 LNG cargoes in 2025, compared to 84 last year. He pointed out that the government has dismantled past irregularities, including the discontinuation of the 2010 special contracting law, and has reduced unpaid energy liabilities from US$3.2 billion to less than $700 million, restoring investor confidence and supply security.
Further, Dr. Khan confirmed that an updated Integrated Power and Energy Master Plan is under preparation, aiming to diversify the energy mix across gas, coal, nuclear, solar, and wind. 'Our strategy is clear-we must diversify and ensure long-term sustainability. The next government will inherit a financially sound and forward-looking power and energy sector,' he added.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, in his opening remarks, welcomed participants and highlighted Bangladesh's resilience amid global economic challenges. He noted the country's achievements in maintaining positive GDP growth, easing inflation, stabilizing currency, record remittances, and a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). He presented progress on 32 major reform initiatives led by BIDA to improve the ease of doing business and attract quality investment, emphasizing that 'Bangladesh has entered a new era of confidence. With reforms, resilience, and bold new opportunities, the country is ready for global investors.'