A reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply will be fundamental to the success of Bangladesh’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, according to the Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), Mohammad Wahid Hossain.
Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on the opportunities and challenges facing the country’s EV sector, he said closer cooperation between the public and private sectors would be essential to accelerate the transition to electric mobility, noting that Bangladesh’s economy is largely driven by private enterprise.
The event, organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), brought together policymakers, industry leaders and energy experts to discuss the future of electric transport.
Mohammad Wahid Hossain proposed creating a dedicated government coordination unit involving all agencies working on EV development to improve policy implementation and decision-making.
He also stressed the importance of expanding renewable energy generation and developing a comprehensive database to accurately track the number of electric vehicles operating across the country.
The secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Abdun Naser Khan, said a draft national EV policy had already completed inter-ministerial and stakeholder consultations.
He explained that the proposed policy is designed to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fossil fuels while strengthening long-term energy security.
He said the government intends to finalise a practical and forward-looking policy after considering recommendations from all relevant stakeholders.
Presenting the keynote paper, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said the global transport sector is rapidly shifting towards electric mobility as countries pursue sustainable development goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change.
He noted that Bangladesh has already introduced tax and duty incentives to encourage EV adoption but said additional measures are needed to support the industry’s long-term growth.
These include expanding charging infrastructure, ensuring a dependable electricity supply, improving battery management systems and encouraging greater private sector investment.
Ahmed also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in building nationwide charging facilities and called for a coordinated long-term policy framework.
Although around six million three-wheelers operate across Bangladesh, he noted that only 669 electric cars have been officially registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), suggesting that the sector remains at an early stage despite its significant potential.
During the discussion, officials acknowledged that the actual number of electric vehicles on Bangladesh’s roads is likely to be considerably higher than official registration figures indicate.
Shibir Bicitro Barua, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, said many EVs are already in use despite limited official records.
Representatives from the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) said approval has been granted for 32 EV charging stations, with nine already operational. Officials also stressed the need to enforce quality standards for charging infrastructure and imported electric vehicles.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) highlighted another challenge, saying the absence of a proper registration system for battery-powered vehicles makes it difficult to accurately measure electricity consumption within the sector.
Officials added that the widespread use of low-quality batteries contributes to unnecessary energy losses.
Industry representatives argued that wider EV adoption could deliver substantial economic benefits. Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of BSREA, said Bangladesh spends approximately Tk65,000 crore each year on transport fuel, much of which is imported.
Increasing the use of electric vehicles, he said, would reduce fuel imports and help conserve valuable foreign exchange reserves.
Professor Dr Md Ehsan of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) said the country has yet to fully utilise its manufacturing and technological capabilities in the EV industry.
He added that the growing use of electric three-wheelers has already reduced diesel imports by around 1.5 million tonnes annually, easing pressure on government spending and foreign currency reserves.
Tanvir Ebne Bashar of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) called for faster expansion of charging infrastructure, simplified import procedures and greater access to long-term financing to encourage investment in electric mobility.
Meanwhile, Akij Motors Chief Executive Officer Sk Amin Uddin said electric vehicles can reduce fuel costs by around 30%, making them an increasingly attractive transport option for consumers and businesses alike.
During the open discussion, Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) President Abdul Haque urged policymakers to prioritise domestic production of electric three-wheelers and EV components.
Former DCCI Vice-President M Abu Hurairah also called for a detailed implementation strategy before introducing the government’s proposed fleet of 2,000 electric buses in Dhaka.
The seminar concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DCCI and BSREA aimed at strengthening cooperation on energy policy, innovation and market development.
The agreement reflects growing momentum behind Bangladesh’s ambition to build a cleaner and more energy-efficient transport system. However, speakers agreed that achieving this goal will depend on reliable electricity, supportive government policies, expanded charging infrastructure and sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors.
