Bangladesh Targets 30% Electric Vehicles by 2030

Bangladesh aims to convert at least 30 per cent of vehicles used in the country’s road transport sector into electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and develop a more environmentally sustainable transport system, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said.

The minister disclosed the government’s target in response to an urgent public attention notice raised by ruling party lawmaker from reserved women’s seat-33, Shawkat Ara Akhter, in Parliament on Monday (13 July). He said a number of policy measures have already been introduced to encourage the transition from fossil fuel-based transport to cleaner alternatives.

Sheikh Robiul Alam explained that greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, particularly carbon dioxide, are among the major contributors to global warming. As countries around the world move towards cleaner transportation solutions, Bangladesh is also placing greater emphasis on expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce environmental pressure.

According to the minister, Bangladesh has committed under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) plan to achieve an unconditional reduction of 3.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector by 2030. Increasing the share of electric vehicles on the country’s roads is considered a key part of achieving that climate target.

The government has already taken steps to establish a policy framework for electric mobility. The Road Transport and Highways Division has prepared regulations regarding the registration and operation of electric motor vehicles, aiming to create a structured environment for their gradual expansion.

The minister said incentives are also being considered to encourage the adoption of electric transport. A proposal has been approved to allow duty-free import of brand-new electric buses for educational institutions. For other sectors, the import of electric vehicles has been approved with a 15 per cent duty structure. The government expects these measures to help reduce dependence on imported fuel while supporting cleaner urban transport.

The shift towards electric vehicles is expected to bring several benefits, including lower fuel consumption, reduced air pollution in densely populated cities and progress towards Bangladesh’s climate commitments. However, expanding EV use will also require improvements in charging infrastructure, electricity management and technical support services.

During the parliamentary discussion, the minister also addressed demands regarding the withdrawal of tolls on bridges. He said that although many lawmakers make commitments about toll exemptions during elections, toll collection is a revenue-related matter that falls under the jurisdiction of the Finance Division.

Sheikh Robiul Alam clarified that the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges cannot independently decide to remove tolls from any bridge. Any decision regarding exemptions must be taken through proper government procedures involving the relevant authorities.

He added that toll reductions or exemptions for smaller bridges could be considered after discussions with the Finance Division and on the basis of policy decisions. However, stopping toll collection solely on the recommendation or request of an individual lawmaker is extremely limited under the existing system.

The minister also responded to calls for increasing stops of intercity trains at more railway stations. He said there is a specific policy governing such decisions, as intercity trains are designed to provide faster and more efficient long-distance travel.

According to him, allowing intercity trains to stop at every station would undermine their core purpose and reduce the benefits of faster connectivity. Decisions on additional stops must therefore consider factors such as passenger demand, operational efficiency and the overall objectives of the intercity railway service.

The government’s electric vehicle target reflects Bangladesh’s broader effort to modernise its transport sector while addressing environmental challenges. Achieving the 30 per cent EV adoption goal by 2030 will depend on effective implementation of policies, expansion of supporting infrastructure and wider public acceptance of cleaner transportation technologies.