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around 1.5 million diesel-powered irrigation pumps, consuming roughly 1 billion litres of diesel annually. Replacing them with solar-powered pumps could cut fuel imports, lower farming costs and reduce emissions.

Renewable expansion will also require improved storage systems and stronger grid readiness. As battery technologies become cheaper worldwide, Bangladesh must begin pilot projects and create incentives to support large-scale deployment. The main obstacle, however, remains institutional rather than technological. Bangladesh needs lower import tariffs on renewable technologies, access to concessionary financing, faster approval timelines, expanded net-metering systems and stronger coordination among institutions. Many approved projects also remain stalled, damaging investor confidence and slowing progress.

Bangladesh now faces a clear choice: continue relying on imported energy vulnerable to global shocks, or build a diversified renewable-energy system that offers greater price stability, lower long-term costs and stronger energy security. This is no longer simply an energy crisis. The decisions taken now will shape Bangladesh’s economic future for years to come. Transitioning from short-term fixes to long-term energy resilience is no longer optional.

Mashid Rahaman is managing director of Rancon Solar and Rangs Properties Limited. Subail Bin Alam is chief operating officer at Rancon Solar and Rancon Infrastructure and Engineering Limited, and director at BSREA.