Dhaka:The Special Solar Power Installation Bill, 2026, was introduced today in the Jatiya Sangsad, aiming to accelerate the expansion of solar power installations across Bangladesh. The bill was presented by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted that in light of the global energy crisis, the government plans to generate at least 5000 megawatts of electricity using solar power. The bill, promulgated under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, is intended to expedite special solar power installation activities.
The proposed legislation is designed to facilitate rooftop solar power installations, targeting a capacity of 3,000-4,000 megawatts by the next summer. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The existing laws reportedly lack specific provisions on essential issues such as long-term electricity pricing, rooftop rental payments, and maintenance responsibilities under two investment models, as outlined in a cabinet division statement.
The bill introduces two models for solar power installations the operational expenditure (OPEX) model, where private investors cover installation costs and supply electricity to building owners, and the capital expenditure (CAPEX) model, where the building owner or another entity funds and owns the system.
Previously, on November 9, a related ordinance was placed in parliament by the law minister to amend existing laws. However, opposition lawmaker Nazibur Rahman of Pabna-1 criticized the government for introducing an ordinance instead of directly presenting the bill to parliament. He alleged that ordinances were introduced to provide undue advantages to certain groups.
Ultimately, the minister requested that the bill be referred to the concerned parliamentary standing committee, with a report expected within the next three days.