Experts call for urgent energy reforms
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh convened its Energy & Power Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) night, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving energy landscape and future opportunities. The focused group discussion, held at a city hotel, highlighted the need for coordinated strategies and policy reforms to ensure sustainable sectoral growth.
AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed stressed the importance of short-, medium-, and long-term planning, noting that recommendations from the dialogue will be submitted to relevant ministries. He underscored the value of stakeholder consultation in shaping effective energy policies.
Eric Walker warned that Bangladesh’s energy demand could double or triple within the next 15–20 years, calling for renewed exploration, diversified energy sources, and increased investment in LNG and solar power. Similarly, Habib Bhuyian cautioned against overreliance on costly spot LNG and proposed demand-side measures, including energy-efficient appliances and structured consumption practices.
Energy expert M. Tamim emphasized boosting domestic gas output and accelerating renewable energy adoption, suggesting up to 5,000 MW solar capacity by 2030. Sebastian Groh highlighted policy barriers in solar expansion and urged reforms in taxation, green financing, and regulation of electric vehicles.
Industry leaders and experts also called for grid modernization, expanded renewable financing, diversified energy sources, and stronger public-private collaboration. Representatives from major companies, development partners, and the United States Embassy in Bangladesh participated, reinforcing the need for coordinated action to ensure Bangladesh’s energy security and sustainability.
Leading energy & power sector companies were present in this meeting, including Chevron Bangladesh, Cross-World Trading Company, Delta LPG, Energypac Power Generation Ltd., Excelerate Energy, GE Vernova International LLC, IDCOL, Omera Petroleum Ltd., SOLshare, and United Power, alongside policy experts and economic researchers from LightCastle Partners and PwC Bangladesh. Distinguished participants also included Professor M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB and former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (2008), Mr. Fazlul Haque, former President of BKMEA, as well as representatives from the United States Embassy in Bangladesh, including Mr. Paul Frost, the Commercial Counselor.
