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A policy dialogue titled "National Budget 2026–2027 Renewable Energy Incentives: A Promising Foundation for a Sustainable Energy Future" was organized by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHARA) in collaboration with OAB Foundation and other partner organizations. The event brought together policymakers, energy experts, academics, civil society representatives, and development partners to discuss renewable energy incentives announced in the National Budget 2026–2027 and the need for a clear roadmap to accelerate Bangladesh’s clean energy transition."
On 18 June 2026, Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHARA) organized a policy dialogue titled "National Budget 2026–2027 Renewable Energy Incentives: A Promising Foundation for a Sustainable Energy Future" at the Dr. Cissef Efendi Conference Hall, CIRDAP, Dhaka.
The event focused on the renewable energy incentives announced in the National Budget 2026–2027 and explored how these measures can strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and support a sustainable energy future. Government officials, energy experts, researchers, academics, environmental activists, development partners, students, and media representatives participated in the discussion.
The Chief Guest, Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), stated that renewable energy has become essential not only for environmental protection but also for ensuring energy security, reducing foreign currency expenditure, and maintaining Bangladesh’s export competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of a clear national roadmap, supportive policies, investment facilitation, and effective implementation to achieve the national target of generating 7,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). He highlighted that renewable energy currently contributes only 2.3% of Bangladesh’s electricity generation, compared to the global average of nearly 34%. He also explained that the proposed tax and duty exemptions on solar panels, inverters, lithium batteries, and other renewable energy equipment could significantly reduce rooftop solar installation costs and encourage wider adoption across industrial and commercial sectors.
Speakers stressed the need for long-term policy stability, investment-friendly regulations, grid modernization, battery energy storage systems, innovative financing mechanisms, research and innovation, skilled workforce development, and greater participation of small entrepreneurs and local service providers to accelerate Bangladesh’s energy transition.
The session was chaired by M. S. Siddiqui, Co-Convener of DHARA. The keynote paper was presented by Shafiqul Alam, while the event was moderated by Faisal Ahmed. Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Mir Mohammad Ali, President of Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF). Distinguished guests included Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tamim, Prof. (Retd.) Dr. Ijaz Hossain, Engr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, Prof. Dr. Sakib Bin Amin, Tanzina Dilshad, and Abul Kalam Azad.
The dialogue was organized by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHARA) in collaboration with its co-organizers, including OAB Foundation, Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Bengal Peace Foundation, Brighters, Brati Samaj Kallyan Sangstha, Buriganga Riverkeeper, Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Climate Frontier, Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF), EquityBD, ERDA, Global Law Thinkers Society (GLTS), Mission Green Bangladesh, Organization for Climate Resilience and Environmental Conservation (OCREC), River Bangla, Sachetan Foundation, Upokul O Sundarban Surakkha Andolon, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN), Youth Environment and Development Organization (YEDO), Taranga Foundation, and Odommo '19 Youth Foundation.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to promoting renewable energy, encouraging public and private investment, strengthening policy implementation, and advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition for Bangladesh.
