Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku today spoke at the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 5, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said a target has been set to generate 5, 000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power over the next five years.

 “As a primary step toward achieving this goal, directives have been issued to install solar panels at all Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across the country within the next three months,” he said.

The minister shared this information while briefing journalists today after participating in the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

About the REB’s power transmission lines, the minister said that as the transmission lines of Palli Bidyut are extensively long, it takes some time to identify any mechanical fault when it occurs. 

“When power supply may be temporarily suspended due to these technical reasons, the situation returns to normal quickly after repairs, which should not be termed as general load-shedding,” he added. 

Clarifying the recent power disruptions in some areas of the country, the minister said that shortage of fuel oil was not responsible. Instead, temporary mechanical glitches caused the situation, he added.  

He emphasized that the information regarding load-shedding due to oil scarcity is incorrect.

Additionally, the minister extended special thanks to the District Commissioners for their firm role in tackling the artificial fuel crisis attempted over the last few days.

During the DC conference, field administration officials were given a detailed briefing on the current power and energy situation so they can disseminate accurate information at the local level.

The minister informed the media that the Deputy Commissioners have assured their full cooperation in expanding the renewable energy coverage.

This initiative for environment-friendly power generation is considered a significant part of the government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Concluding the briefing, the minister highlighted the government’s various steps to ensure overall national energy security. 

He expressed optimism that close coordination with field-level officials would play an effective role in mitigating public suffering caused by temporary power outages.