Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the authorities concerned to install solar panels in phases at key government buildings across the country as part of the government's efforts to address the ongoing energy crisis and accelerate the use of renewable energy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister gave the directives while presiding over a meeting on solar power at his office in the Cabinet Division in Bangladesh Secretariat. Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu stated that the Prime Minister issued three broad directives aimed at tackling the energy crisis and expanding the use of renewable energy sources.
The directives include the phased installation of solar panels at key government establishments, along with government support for the import of raw materials necessary for domestic solar inverter production. Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the formulation of an economic model to make solar power more affordable, accessible, and financially attractive to the general public.
Shiplu detailed that the initiative would begin with the installation of solar panels at Bangabhaban, the Prime Minister's Office at Tejgaon, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Finance buildings at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the Planning Commission building, and other significant government establishments.
The Prime Minister emphasized that increased use of solar power in government buildings would serve as an encouragement for the public to adopt similar technology. During the meeting, presentations from PRAN-RFL Group and Walton Group highlighted the potential of installing solar panels in residential buildings and integrating the electricity generated into the national grid.
The implementation of this initiative is expected to not only conserve electricity and fuel but also create new employment opportunities. The meeting underscored the importance of promoting the economic and practical benefits of solar power to foster greater public adoption.
The presentations also demonstrated that solar technology could be effectively used to operate electrical appliances such as air conditioners, fans, and lifts. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, among other senior officials and industry leaders, attended the meeting.