The Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) organized a seminar titled “Energy Sector Crisis: Prospects and Ways Forward”, bringing together policymakers, energy experts, academics, and industry representatives to discuss the challenges and future direction of Bangladesh’s energy sector.
The seminar was attended by the Honourable Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, MP, as the Chief Guest, while the Honourable State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Anindya Islam Amit, MP, attended as the Special Guest.
Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), participated in the seminar as a representative of the renewable energy sector. In his remarks, he highlighted the significant potential of solar energy in addressing the country’s energy challenges, while also drawing attention to several policy and implementation barriers currently affecting the renewable energy industry.
He emphasized that if Bangladesh can provide affordable solar electricity to two crore households, the country could significantly reduce the burden of the current load-shedding situation.
The BSREA President also raised concerns regarding the challenges faced by businesses following the announcement of the national budget. He noted that a number of renewable energy-related shipments remain stuck at ports due to customs-related complications, preventing businesses from receiving the duty benefits announced by the government. As a result, many businesses are facing significant difficulties and uncertainty.
While appreciating the government’s commitment to renewable energy and the incentives and facilities announced in the national budget, Mr. Al Mahmud pointed out that bureaucratic and procedural complexities are preventing the effective implementation of these initiatives. Despite reductions in customs duties announced for various renewable energy products and components, businesses are reportedly still required to pay duties of up to 17% in some cases to release their products.
In response to the concerns raised by the BSREA President, the Honourable Minister and State Minister assured participants that stakeholders facing such challenges could submit the relevant documents to the Ministry. They stated that the issues would be reviewed and that necessary steps would be taken to resolve them.
Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the duty exemptions and other facilities announced in the national budget for solar energy and the wider renewable energy sector. He further assured that if any procedural complications were hindering implementation, the government would take prompt measures to address them.
The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of policy incentives and regulatory support to accelerate the growth of renewable energy in Bangladesh. Expanding access to affordable solar power, reducing administrative barriers, and creating a more supportive business environment will be essential for strengthening the country’s energy security and building a sustainable energy future.
