Dhaka: The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has approved a long-term lease of 120 acres of land at the Jamuna Bridge site for the construction of a 55-megawatt solar power plant. The project aims to expand the use of renewable energy and develop environmentally friendly infrastructure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the approval was given during the 117th board meeting of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, held at the conference room of the Bridges Division. The meeting was chaired by Road Transport and Bridges Minister and BBA Board Chairman Sheikh Rabiul Alam. Under the board's decision, the 120-acre site at the Jamuna Bridge will be leased to North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) for installing the solar power plant.
The project is expected to increase the supply of electricity from renewable sources to the national grid, contributing positively to environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions. At the meeting's start, Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf presented the agenda and progress on implementing prior decisions.
Following discussions, the board approved several significant proposals, including the solar power project. Additionally, the board approved a proposal to prepare an integrated master plan for the phased installation of solar panels at various facilities under the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
The board also decided to amend the existing policy for allocating flats in the rehabilitation village to improve the resettlement of families affected by the Dhaka Elevated Expressway construction project. Other approvals included the reinstatement of the agreement for operating the BIAM Laboratory School at Diabari in Uttara and the establishment of the Centre for Bridge Research and Training (CBRT) to develop skilled manpower in bridge construction, maintenance, and research.
Moreover, the board approved an amendment to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority Officers and Employees Welfare Trust Regulations, 2010, replacing the provision for "annual scholarship" with "annual education grant assistance" to align employee welfare benefits with current needs. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to sustainable development, expanding green energy, and developing environmentally friendly transport infrastructure, stating that increased use of renewable energy alongside infrastructure development is essential for achieving these objectives.