Dhaka:State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam announced that the government will generate 4,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power in the next three months. This initiative was discussed during a seminar where he served as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar, titled 'Science Policy Dialogue on Black Carbon and Other Short-Lived Climate Pollutants,' was jointly organized by Dhaka University and Stockholm University. During the event, Faridul revealed that 296 MW of the solar power will be produced in Dhaka city alone.
Faridul outlined an initial target to generate 10,000 MW of solar power, with plans to gradually increase solar capacity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and move towards clean energy. He also mentioned that the current government inherited coal-fired power plants from the previous administration, which consume about 12,000 metric tonnes of coal daily, contributing to black carbon emissions.
The state minister also addressed the issue of air pollution caused by brick kilns, which are responsible for about 13 percent of total air pollution due to the use of high-sulfur coal. The government plans to close 200 traditional brick kilns nationwide and replace them with concrete block production facilities, which produce minimal noise and no smoke, thus helping to improve air quality.
Faridul acknowledged the challenge posed by a powerful syndicate but emphasized the government's commitment to improving air quality through professional means. He also touched on transboundary pollution, noting that around 30 percent of the country's air pollution stems from industrial activities in neighboring India.
Nature-based solutions such as large-scale tree plantation, canal excavation, and the introduction of electric buses and vehicles are part of the government's strategy to combat pollution. Faridul also highlighted efforts to address river pollution, identifying 424 points where waste is discharged into major rivers around Dhaka without treatment.
The seminar was attended by Mahadi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister; Dr ASM Abdul Awal, Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office; and Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh. It was co-chaired by Professor Abdus Salam, DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Professor Örjan Gustafsson from Stockholm University.