Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 to Begin in Dhaka on Tuesday

The two-day Bangladesh Solar Expo 2026 will begin in Dhaka on Tuesday, November 3, as part of efforts to expand solar power generation and consumption across the country. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. He has agreed to attend the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Bidyut Bhaban at 11 am on Monday, November 2. The Power Division, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) are jointly organising the expo.

At the press conference, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrook said the expo’s theme is “Make Every Inch of Rooftop Count, Increase Income Through Solar Power.” The main objectives are to expand rooftop solar power generation, attract private investment and increase the use of renewable energy.

In her written statement, the power secretary said the government had already taken several initiatives to expand the solar energy sector. These include the issuance of the Special Solar Power Ordinance 2026 and the adoption of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026–2030.

Under a special package aimed at expanding rooftop solar power, surplus electricity generated under the net-metering system will be purchased at Tk 10.50 per unit.

Mirana Mahrook also said import duties on solar power and battery-related products had been reduced to 1%. Value Added Tax (VAT) on these products had also been fully waived.

The government is encouraging the use of the Operational Expenditure (OPEX) model to install solar power plants on the rooftops of public and private institutions through third parties, without requiring the institutions themselves to make capital investments.

The two-day expo will showcase modern technologies and products from the solar energy sector, including solar panels, inverters, smart grid technologies, advanced battery storage systems and other modern solar equipment.

Leading financial institutions, project developers and service providers will also participate, offering information on project financing, loans on easier terms and technical assistance.

As part of the expo, four special seminars will be held under the theme “Policy, People and Capital for Bangladesh’s Solar Revolution.” Discussions will focus on a national roadmap for expanding solar power, increasing rooftop solar installations at government institutions, and promoting solar energy in residential and industrial sectors.

The seminars will also address energy security, employment generation and financing opportunities through private investment and carbon revenue.

Local and international experts, policymakers, financial institutions, technology suppliers, investors and industry representatives are expected to participate. They will discuss technological advancements, policy frameworks and investment opportunities in the solar power sector.

The organisers expressed hope that the expo would strengthen public-private partnerships, attract new investment and accelerate the expansion of renewable energy. They also expect the event to contribute to national energy security and the development of a sustainable economy.