Govt to use public land to expand renewable energy
Land in state-run educational institutions, hospitals under review for power projects
Amid a global energy crisis, the government has decided to expand renewable energy generation by utilising public land – including educational institutions and hospitals – and opening the sector to private investment.
A committee has been formed to take the initiative forward, and implementation is expected to begin within days once final approval is secured. The government may revise existing energy policies or enact new legislation to accelerate the process.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani disclosed the decision at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Thursday night (16 April), following a cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier in the day.
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He said the government has decided to launch a large-scale programme to generate renewable energy using state-owned land, with participation from private entrepreneurs. The target is to produce 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030.
Discussions have also covered expansion of biogas and wind energy. Preliminary estimates suggest generation costs could range between Tk4 and Tk8 per unit.
On policy, Ghani said the focus is on simplifying existing frameworks to create a more investment-friendly environment. Authorities are reviewing the use of government land, particularly areas adjacent to educational institutions and hospitals, for both small and large-scale power projects.
He added that earlier solar initiatives did not perform as expected, prompting a reassessment of policy design and implementation structures.
Regarding recent energy shortages and congestion, Ghani said the government is working to stabilise supply, although market volatility and business practices have contributed to distribution challenges.
He added that private sector participation in large power projects will be expanded, supported by government measures to ease the investment climate.
7 Nov to be observed as National Revolution and Solidarity Day
The government has decided to observe 7 November each year as National Revolution and Solidarity Day, reinstating its previous status as a public holiday.
Cabinet Secretary Ghani said the day will be classified as a "Category A" national day, which entails a public holiday. He said the day had been observed in the past but was not marked over the last 16 years, and has now been restored.
On 7 November 1975, amid political turmoil, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then chief of army staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power.
The cabinet also decided to declare 6 July as National Rural Development Day. It will be observed annually as a "Category B" day, without a public holiday.
