Bangladesh has embarked on an ambitious journey to expand renewable energy through the National Rooftop Solar Programme 2025, which targets 3,000 MW of capacity on government, educational, and health sector rooftops. Whilst the decision is timely and commendable, the programme’s success will depend on addressing critical challenges of design, financing, procurement, and long-term O&M. This special report by CPD Power and Energy Study offers a detailed review of global rooftop solar experiences, lessons from Dhaka’s earlier initiative, and a critical analysis of the current programme’s policy framework. It provides strategic recommendations for piloting, ensuring technical quality, standardising tariffs, introducing transparent procurement, and strengthening monitoring and accountability. The report serves as a roadmap for policymakers, development partners, and practitioners, highlighting how rooftop solar can become a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition if implemented with rigour, transparency, and sustainability.
Authors: Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Helen Mashiyat Preoty, Abrar Ahammed Bhuiyan, Mehadi Hasan Shamim
Publication Period: October 2025
