Solar power will play a central role in Bangladesh's energy transition, with the government targeting 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation from renewable sources to reduce dependence on imported fuel and save foreign currency, Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku has said.
Speaking at a programme in Sirajganj on Friday, the minister said expanding solar generation would lower the country's fuel import bill and strengthen long-term energy security.
"Solar power does not require fuel for generation. As a result, it will significantly reduce fuel imports worth billions of dollars and help conserve foreign exchange," he said.
Bangladesh has been pursuing greater investment in renewable energy as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves and diversify its electricity mix.
The minister also said the government had not increased electricity tariffs for consumers using up to 75 units of electricity a month. He noted that most rural households consume no more than that amount.
"The government has ensured that marginalised people are not burdened by higher electricity costs," he added.
Tuku said the government was working to build a welfare-orientated state and had introduced family cards alongside agricultural cards to support low-income families and farmers.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the newly constructed Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Parishad building and distributing spray machines, tube wells, sewing machines, benches for educational institutions and sports equipment across different unions of the upazila.
The programme was chaired by Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mamun Khan. Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam, Superintendent of Police Saiful Islam Santu and Sirajganj district BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bachchu also addressed the event.
