PM Issues Solar Plan to Tackle Energy Crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday issued three directives to address the country's energy challenges by expanding solar power use, encouraging local solar equipment production and making renewable energy more affordable for consumers.

The directives were issued at a meeting on solar power chaired by the prime minister at his office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Under the plan, solar panels will be installed in phases on major government buildings across the country.

The government will also support the import of raw materials required for manufacturing solar inverters to promote local production.

The prime minister instructed the authorities concerned to develop a practical financial model to make solar power accessible and affordable for ordinary consumers.

Initially, rooftop solar panels will be installed at key government establishments, including Bangabhaban, the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Finance Ministry buildings at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the Planning Commission building and other important facilities.

Tarique Rahman said introducing solar energy in government buildings would encourage wider public adoption of renewable energy and help expand Bangladesh's clean energy sector.

During the meeting, PRAN-RFL Group and Walton Group presented proposals on installing rooftop solar panels in residential buildings and connecting the generated electricity to the national grid.

The presentations highlighted that rooftop solar could reduce dependence on conventional energy sources, create employment opportunities and improve energy efficiency.

The meeting also emphasised increasing public awareness about the economic benefits of solar power, noting that renewable energy can be used for household appliances such as air conditioners, fans and lifts.