Under the Electric Vehicle Charging Guideline 2022, a person or organisation wishing to establish a charging station applies to the relevant authority using the prescribed form and supporting documents and, once approval to install is given, applies to the local electricity distribution licensee for connection. SREDA technical certification is also part of the process. Depending on the site, trade licences, building and fire safety approvals and landlord consents may also be required. Because authorities, forms and requirements can change, we check the current position for the specific EV charging configuration before applications are filed.

Not entirely. The Guideline provides that the electricity tariff for EV charging is determined by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and that a charging point operator cannot change that tariff. It distinguishes the tariff from a service charge, which may be relevant to the operator's revenue. The current tariff and any rules on service charges should be confirmed from the latest official orders, because older orders may no longer reflect the position. We review pricing models and billing arrangements against current EV charging rules. Customer terms should show the energy charge and any service charge separately.

Connection is made by the electricity distribution licensee responsible for the area, which may be one of the city distribution companies, the rural electrification network or another regional distributor. Each utility has its own procedures, load assessment practices and timelines. Available capacity at the site, the requested load, metering and any network upgrades can significantly affect cost and timing, particularly for fast chargers and bus depots. We help operators prepare connection applications, understand the utility's requirements and negotiate site arrangements that reflect connection risk. Early engagement with the utility helps EV charging projects avoid surprises.

There is no comprehensive stand-alone regulatory framework for battery energy storage in Bangladesh. Instead, a storage project is assessed under the rules that apply to its configuration and use. A grid-connected system may engage power sector licensing and grid connection requirements, while a behind-the-meter system at a factory may mainly raise contractual, fire safety and environmental questions. Utilities have explored grid-scale storage in planning and procurement, and policy may develop. We map the applicable requirements for each project and monitor changes that could affect storage investments. Clear contracts fill many of the gaps in the meantime.

It depends on the activity, scale and site. The Environment Conservation Rules 2023 classify activities by environmental risk, and some battery storage, battery manufacturing or recycling activities may require clearance from the Department of Environment, while a small EV charging installation at an existing building may not. Battery handling, hazardous waste and end-of-life disposal raise separate obligations. We review the specific project against the current rules and advise on whether an application, a modification of an existing clearance or other compliance steps are needed before construction starts. Early checks avoid stop-work risks. Battery suppliers may carry duties too.

A host agreement should cover the location and number of chargers, access for customers and maintenance, cable routes and electrical works, responsibility for connection and electricity costs, revenue or rent sharing, signage, exclusivity, insurance, liability for damage, data and customer information, relocation if the site is redeveloped, the term and renewal, and removal and reinstatement at the end. It should also address what happens if the utility connection is delayed. We draft host agreements that balance the operator's need for long-term security with the landlord's flexibility over its property. Practical, clear drafting avoids later disputes.

Yes. Foreign companies can establish a Bangladeshi subsidiary or joint venture to develop and operate charging networks or storage projects, subject to current investment policy and sector requirements. Registration and incentives now run through Invest Bangladesh, which replaced BIDA, BEZA and the PPP Authority from 23 August 2026. Repatriation of profits, payments to overseas suppliers and parent companies, and withholding tax on payments to non-residents should be planned in advance. We advise on structure, approvals and commercial documents for foreign investors entering the EV charging market. Joint ventures with local partners are also common and useful.

Liability depends on the cause and the contracts. Potentially responsible parties include the manufacturer, installer, operator, site owner and maintenance contractor, and claims may arise in contract, negligence or under consumer protection law. Regulatory investigations by fire, environmental or electrical authorities may also follow. Clear contracts allocating responsibility for installation standards, maintenance, inspections, warranties and insurance are the best protection. We help clients allocate these risks before an incident and advise on response, investigation and claims if an incident occurs. Insurance should match the risks. Product liability and consumer claims need prompt, careful handling.