Dhaka:A parliamentary committee has decided to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar panels at the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad, ensuring the original architectural design and ecological balance remain intact.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, led the committee's first meeting at the Sangsad Bhaban. The discussion focused on assessing the electricity demand of the Jatiya Sangsad and surrounding areas, reducing power consumption and system losses, and identifying suitable vacant spaces for solar panel installation.
The committee plans to develop a map highlighting potential locations for the solar panels and present a 3D animation of the proposed installation at their next meeting. They emphasized maintaining the architectural integrity of the Sangsad Bhaban, designed by Louis I. Kahn, while preserving environmental balance and biodiversity.
A feasibility study will be conducted through the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) or another reputable institution. The meeting also established a subcommittee with members Md Ashraf Uddin, Lutfullahhel Mazed, and Mardia Mumtaz to evaluate the project's overall feasibility and prepare a report.
Representatives from the Parliament Secretariat, Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC), the Department of Architecture, and the Public Works Department will support the subcommittee, including officials such as the Parliament Secretariat's Joint Secretary (AS) and executive architects and engineers.
Additionally, the committee decided to submit a report within 15 days regarding the potential damage from switching off the air-conditioning system outside parliamentary sessions. They also noted that they would not take responsibility for the ongoing solar panel installation initiative on the MP Hostel roof, which already has a Development Project Proposal (DPP).
Attendees included Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam, MPs Md Ashraf Uddin, Lutfullahhel Mazed, Md Saiful Alam, Mardia Mumtaz, Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, an additional secretary of the Power Division, DPDC representatives, Public Works Department officials, and relevant Parliament Secretariat officials.