DHAKA, Nov 2, 2026 - The government aims to generate 3,000–4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power by next summer to help keep the country’s power crisis at a tolerable level.
“Rooftop solar systems are being considered an easy and effective solution to achieve the target,” State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said on Monday.
He was speaking at a discussion on installing solar power systems at 31 public universities, organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) at its Agargaon office in Dhaka.
Amit said the government had formulated a comprehensive policy within two months to expand solar power generation and reduce public suffering caused by electricity shortages.
He said solar installations at universities would not be imposed on any institution. Instead, the government and the UGC would provide support based on each university’s needs, capacity and practical circumstances.
Highlighting the potential for universities to earn carbon credits through solar power generation, the state minister said the Power Division would provide necessary assistance to facilitate the generation and sale of credits in recognition of reduced carbon emissions.
He also announced that the Bangladesh Solar Expo would be held in Dhaka on November 3–4 to promote the wider use of solar power.
Presiding over the meeting, UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said installing solar systems under the operating expenditure (OPEX) model could help reduce universities’ operating costs.
“The initiative would help save a substantial amount on electricity bills,” he said, adding that Jashore University of Science and Technology had already taken steps to install solar power under the OPEX model.
Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahroukh, UGC member Professor Dr Masuma Habib, BUET Vice-Chancellor and Bangladesh University Council President Professor Dr SM Abdul Razzaq, Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam, JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Iarul Kabir, and vice-chancellors of other public universities and UGC officials attended the meeting.
