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equipment to a combined symbolic 1 percent for the next 10 years.

Speakers said Bangladesh currently has only 1,679MW of installed renewable energy capacity, including hydropower, against an estimated potential of nearly 1,32,000MW. They said the existing taxes bring little fiscal benefit.

While Bangladesh currently installs only about 300 megawatts of solar capacity annually, the government earns around Tk 333 crore a year from taxes on solar equipment, they said. This is less than 0.05 percent of the government’s projected revenue collection target for FY2026-27, they added.

Speakers proposed launching a Tk 25,000 crore revolving fund under Bangladesh Bank for renewable energy project financing.

Under the proposal, commercial banks would lend to local entrepreneurs at below 5 percent interest rates. They also demanded direct subsidies of at least Tk 25,000 per kilowatt for residential rooftop solar systems and additional support for projects led by women and indigenous communities.

CLEAN Chief Executive Hasan Mehedi said continued dependence on imported fossil fuels would expose the economy to higher energy costs and external shocks. “Renewable energy must be prioritised in the upcoming budget through tax reform, financial incentives and strategic policy support,” he added.