Dhaka, September 9, 2026: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government plans to gradually replace diesel-powered irrigation pumps with solar-powered systems across Bangladesh within the next five years.
Replying to a supplementary question from Meherpur-1 MP Md Tajuddin Khan during the Prime Minister’s question-answer session in Parliament on Wednesday, he said all diesel-operated water pumps would be brought under the solar power program in phases.
He said the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to expand renewable energy and reduce dependence on imported fuel. Bangladesh aims to meet at least 20% of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30% by 2040.
The government has also set targets to generate 5,500 MW from rooftop solar, 4,500 MW from ground-mounted solar and 450–550 MW from other renewable sources by 2030.
Responding to another question, the Prime Minister said the government is encouraging the use of lithium batteries for solar energy storage and will support industries producing such batteries. He also indicated that lithium batteries could eventually become mandatory for rooftop solar systems.
