Environmental activists and development campaigners in Rajshahi on Wednesday called for immediate implementation of the government’s target to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity through rooftop solar systems installed on public buildings across Bangladesh.
The demand was raised during a human chain programme organised by the Rajshahi Environment and Development Forum on the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office premises in Rajshahi.
Following the programme, organisers submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to the Additional DC.
The event was presided over by Advocate Dil Setara Chuni, joint convener of the forum.
Among others, forum leaders Rashed Ripon, Subhash Chandra Hembram, Chhoton Sardar and Pankaj Karmakar also addressed the gathering.
Speakers said large-scale rooftop solar installations on government offices, hospitals and educational institutions could significantly reduce pressure on the national power grid while lowering electricity costs and foreign currency expenditure on energy imports.
They also noted that expansion of rooftop solar systems would create new business opportunities and employment in the local renewable energy sector, including installation, maintenance and equipment supply services.
Advocate Dil Setara Chuni said recent media reports indicated that the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources had instructed all DC offices nationwide to install rooftop solar systems within three months.
She described the initiative as environmentally important and economically beneficial.
Forum member Subhash Hembram said Bangladesh is currently facing multiple challenges, including energy shortages, import dependency and climate change risks.
He further said that wider use of solar power on government buildings could contribute to sustainable energy security and green job creation.
Rashed Ripon, director of Paribartan, said successful implementation of the initiative could help establish Bangladesh as a regional example in renewable energy and support the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The forum also demanded simplified and more user-friendly net-metering facilities to encourage wider public participation in rooftop solar projects.
