Bangladesh moving towards self-reliant energy system, green growth: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (24 May) said Bangladesh is steadily moving towards clean energy, a green economy and a self-reliant energy system.

Speaking at the inauguration programme of an on-grid rooftop solar power project at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, he also expressed hope that Bangladesh will become a model state of green and sustainable development in the future through the expansion of renewable solar power generation.

"With the inauguration of the one-megawatt rooftop solar power system at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, we are clearly sending a message that Bangladesh is steadily moving towards clean energy, a green economy and an energy self-reliant future," the prime minister said.

He said he firmly believes that the initiative taken at the Parliament building will inspire both public and private institutions across the country.

"If every rooftop, every institution and every citizen join this journey towards clean energy, Bangladesh can soon become a model state of green and sustainable development, InshaAllah," Tarique Rahman added.

Referring to the Parliament Complex designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn, he said the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is a symbol of democracy and using solar energy on its rooftop demonstrates that leadership must be reflected not only in policy but also in practical action.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is striving to achieve energy self-reliance at a time when the economy is expanding, industrialisation is increasing and electricity demand is growing rapidly.

At the same time, he said, Bangladesh remains one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries due to rising sea levels, irregular rainfall, cyclones and river erosion, which have become part of the country's daily reality.

"For that reason, moving towards sustainable energy is no longer only an environmental responsibility, but also an essential part of our economy and national security," Tarique Rahman said.

Highlighting the country's solar energy potential, he said Bangladesh receives an average of around four and a half to five kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square metre daily.

"Our countless rooftops, industrial zones, open lands and coastal areas hold huge potential for renewable energy," the Prime Minister said.

He also noted that the global cost of solar power generation has fallen significantly over the past decade, making solar energy not only environment-friendly but also economically effective. "Today's project is part of that greater journey," he said.

Later, at the Prime Minister's request, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad formally inaugurated the solar power project.

Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni also spoke at the programme.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, State Minister for Planning Zunayed Abdur Rahim Saki, lawmakers, whips and officials of the Parliament Secretariat, among others, were present.