We should be worried about the statements made by industry leaders and experts at a seminar on Saturday noting that Bangladesh’s electric vehicle (EV) expansion has stalled due to a lack of policy support.
While it is true that we will not become a nation that is ready to embrace EVs overnight, stalling must be seen as not just a missed opportunity but a failure to prepare for what will be the inevitable future of transport.
Especially at a time when reliance on fossil fuels is increasingly volatile, and when governments across the planet are investing heavily in EV infrastructure, incentivizing adoption, and setting clear roadmaps, our inability to prepare for the transition could potentially leave us behind.
The benefits of EVs are undeniable, especially for a nation such as ours: Reduced dependence on fossil fuels, cleaner air in our congested cities, and alignment with global climate commitments.
For these benefits to begin transforming our nation however, we need the relevant policies, else they will continue to remain out of reach.
Bangladesh must therefore establish a comprehensive EV roadmap that addresses taxation, infrastructure, and incentives, in addition to proper registration. This is particularly relevant not just for luxury electric vehicles, but the millions of electric three-wheelers that exist, almost all of which are unregistered.
Simultaneously, while we cannot ignore fossil fuels completely, investment in renewable energy must continue. It is important for our future to ensure that clean vehicles are powered by clean electricity.
The global transition to EVs is inevitable. Countries are acting now to reap economic and environmental dividends while those that delay will pay the price in pollution and fuel dependency. As such, Bangladesh cannot afford to be reactive, and must recognize the importance of pro-actively pursuing appropriate policies to drive our future.
