Mymensingh:Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood expressed optimism on Friday that load-shedding in Mymensingh would decrease before the next summer season. He made these remarks while inaugurating the Domestic Rooftop Solar (DTRS) Programme at the Bhaluka Upazila Parishad auditorium in Mymensingh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister highlighted government initiatives aimed at resolving electricity and gas supply issues in the region. He criticized the previous Awami League government for celebrating full electrification without addressing the underlying problems of electricity supply. The lack of infrastructure development for electricity and gas transmission in Mymensingh has resulted in ongoing shortages, which the current government is actively working to remedy.
The rooftop solar programme, launched by the minister, aims to encourage households to generate electricity through solar panels on residential buildings. This initiative is expected to relieve pressure on the national power grid and contribute to expanding renewable energy sources, thus supporting the government’s environmental goals.
As part of the programme's inauguration, rooftop solar systems with battery storage were installed at two residences a 20-kilowatt-peak (kWp) system at the home of special guest and MP Fakhr Uddin Ahmed, and a 5-kWp system at local resident Md Sohel Rana's house in Bhaluka. The programme is a joint effort by Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) and Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) to promote solar power in residential sectors.
The event was chaired by Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahroukh, with contributions from IDCOL Acting Managing Director SM Monirul Islam, who delivered the welcome address. Additional speakers included IDCOL Head of Renewable Energy Md Enamul Karim Pavel, BIFFL Chief Executive Officer SM Anichuzzaman, and Economic Relations Division Joint Secretary Md Ashfaqul Amin Mukut. The programme aims to increase the share of renewable energy in domestic electricity consumption, with support from government officials, IDCOL and BIFFL representatives, and invited guests.