It is disappointing how, despite our renewable energy ambitions, and the overwhelming need to diversify our energy mix and move away from fossil fuel dependence, progress has been slow and fragmented.
To that end, that a national solar power policy is on the cards is certainly encouraging. As Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood recently said: “Bangladesh is ready to go solar; we only need policy.”
With that said, we must ask: What is taking so long?
The case for solar is and has been overwhelming. Our dependence on imported fossil fuels have left our economy exposed to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions on multiple occasions, and the war in Iran has only laid bare just how much of a problem this is. Rising costs have also strained households, industries, and our overall national budget.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh enjoys abundant sunlight that remains underutilized. Harnessing this resource can reduce import dependence, cut emissions, and also provide reliable energy to communities still excluded from the grid.
We must also match this potential with discipline. Too often, energy projects have been announced without proper planning, leading to inefficiency, waste, and inflated costs. A solar policy must be grounded in feasibility studies, realistic targets, and transparent implementation.
While fossil fuels will not disappear overnight, and will continue to be a major component of our energy mix, we need a proper roadmap for action when it comes to shifting to renewable sources. That means setting clear timelines, ensuring accountability, and building the infrastructure needed to deliver results.
Solar power is our most viable path to resilience, sustainability, and independence when it comes to energy needs. Every day lost is a day we remain vulnerable to the volatility of fossil fuels.
