Experts have emphasized increasing the import of solar panels, batteries, and equipment, along with boosting investment in the sector, to build a renewable energy management system—particularly solar power—as an alternative energy source, alongside Bangladesh’s ongoing priority-based effective measures to combat the existing energy crisis amid global instability.
This call was made on Thursday, April 16, at a press conference held at a restaurant in the city, organized by Environment and Ecology Forum–Chattogram with the support of ISDE Bangladesh, CLEAN, and BWGED.
The written statement was presented by Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chaberi, General Secretary of the CAB Divisional Committee. The event, presided over by Dr. Khaled Misbahuzzaman—President of Environment and Ecology Forum–Chattogram and Professor at the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong—featured speeches from SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of CAB Central Committee and Executive Director of ISDE; senior journalist M Nasirul Haque; Md. Selim Jahangir, Joint Secretary of CAB Chattogram Metropolitan; Organizing Secretary Jannatul Ferdous; and politician Mitul Das Gupta, among others.
At the press conference, experts stated that military tensions involving the United States and Israel surrounding the Iran conflict, along with uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, have created significant risks for import-dependent countries like Bangladesh. To মোকাবিলা this situation, they called for energy-saving policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, coordinated action involving professionals and experts at various levels, and priority-based effective measures to combat the crisis. At the same time, they urged immediate strategic investment in renewable energy—especially solar power—as an alternative during energy shortages.
The written statement further noted that Bangladesh, which relies heavily on imported energy from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, would face direct supply disruptions if the Strait of Hormuz were closed. The pressure on foreign exchange reserves, inflation, and import costs has already become evident. At the beginning of 2026, rising energy import costs have widened the current account deficit, creating risks of currency depreciation and higher inflation.
The statement also highlighted major changes in the country’s energy system over the past decade. Due to declining domestic gas production, dependence on imported LNG, LPG, and petroleum has increased. Currently, about 80 percent of crude oil, 65 percent of LNG, and more than half of LPG depend on the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, any tension in that region directly impacts energy supply.
Immediate impacts of the crisis were also outlined. Gas shortages are rendering a significant portion of power generation capacity idle, reducing industrial output, increasing transportation costs, and disrupting irrigation in agriculture. It was noted that production in the ready-made garments sector could decline by up to 40 percent. Experts warned that prolonged energy shortages could severely affect the overall economy.
The statement also pointed out long-term risks of energy imports. Since increasing reliance on LNG imports in 2018, Bangladesh has been locked into a costly energy structure. Volatility in international markets poses a major threat to economic stability. Prices of LNG and oil have already surged multiple times, significantly increasing import costs.
In this context, renewable energy was emphasized as a key alternative. Experts cited Pakistan’s solar power revolution as an effective example, where rapid large-scale solar deployment has reduced import dependence. In Bangladesh, a significant portion of over 40 million households could install rooftop solar systems, easing pressure on the national grid.
According to them, rooftop solar could generate several thousand megawatts of electricity, helping reduce energy imports and save foreign currency. Additionally, expanding solar use in educational institutions, government buildings, and agriculture could bring broader transformation.
The press conference presented a 13-point set of recommendations. These include building national consensus to combat the energy crisis, withdrawing taxes and VAT on renewable energy equipment imports, implementing rooftop solar programmes in public and private buildings, increasing solar-powered irrigation pumps in agriculture, introducing electric vehicles in public transport, and expanding low-interest loans to boost investment in the renewable sector. Recommendations also included restructuring energy subsidies and prioritizing domestic gas exploration.
Speakers said the current crisis is not only a risk but also an opportunity. With timely and appropriate decisions, Bangladesh can move away from import-dependent energy structures toward a sustainable and self-reliant energy system. Otherwise, the country may face even greater economic pressure in the future.
DBTech/ALB/MUIM/OR
