Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chairs a Cabinet meeting on November 2, 2026.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chairs a Cabinet meeting on November 2, 2026.Courtesy
Bangladesh

Cabinet approves draft solar power law, 22 public holidays for 2027

Employees belonging to different ethnic communities, including those working outside the Chittagong Hill Tracts, will be entitled to two days of optional leave to celebrate traditional festivals.
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The Cabinet on Monday approved the draft Special Solar Power Installation Act, 2026, paving the way for an existing ordinance to be converted into law to accelerate the expansion of solar power projects in Bangladesh.

The draft legislation received final approval at the Cabinet's 26th meeting, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, according to an official press briefing.

The Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance, 2026, was promulgated to ensure the rapid expansion of special solar power installation activities. 

In another decision, the Cabinet approved the draft list of public holidays for 2027, proposing 15 days of general holidays and 14 days of holidays through executive orders.

Of the proposed 29 holidays, seven will coincide with weekly holidays — three Fridays and four Saturdays — leaving 22 effective public holidays.

The 15 days of general holidays will cover national occasions and major religious festivals of different communities, while the 14 days of holidays through executive orders will cover the Bengali New Year and other major religious festivals.

The proposal also allows government employees up to three days of optional leave annually for religious festivals. 

Employees belonging to different ethnic communities, including those working outside the Chittagong Hill Tracts, will be entitled to two days of optional leave to celebrate Boisabi or similar traditional festivals.

The Cabinet also gave final approval to the draft Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Act, 2026, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and competition in government procurement.

The proposed legislation seeks to protect domestic industries and introduce special provisions for new enterprises, micro and small businesses, women bidders and disadvantaged bidders.

The amendment follows the promulgation of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, on September 21.

The Cabinet granted final approval to the draft legislation, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.