Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today instructed the authorities concerned to take initiatives to generate power by installing solar panels on the rooftops of all government buildings in the country. He gave this instruction at a meeting titled 'National Rooftop Solar Programme' at the State Guest House Jamuna here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials present at the meeting highlighted that Bangladesh is lagging behind its neighboring countries in solar power expansion as outlined in the 2024 report of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In comparison, India produces 24 percent, Pakistan 17.16 percent, and Sri Lanka 39.7 percent of their electricity demand from solar energy, while Bangladesh only produces 5.6 percent.
The Renewable Energy Policy 2025 has set targets for renewable energy generation at 20 percent of the total power demand by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040. To meet these targets, the tender process for 55 land-based solar power plants with a capacity of 5238 MW is underway, though implementation is expected to take until 2028.
The Chief Adviser emphasized the need to quickly implement the 'National Rooftop Solar Programme'. He directed measures to install rooftop solar systems on the roofs of all government buildings, including schools, colleges, madrasas, and government hospitals.
Prof Yunus proposed exploring private initiatives for the installation of solar panels, suggesting that those who install them would maintain and operate them effectively. This approach would involve the government providing only the rooftops, with private entities handling the installation and maintenance.
He stressed the importance of learning from institutions that have already installed rooftop solar systems to address any challenges they faced. The initiative aims to eliminate electricity bills for government educational institutions while providing them with rent for rooftop use in solar power generation.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and senior officials from various ministries attended the meeting.