Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Monday said that in its pursuit of sustainable development and low-carbon green growth, Bangladesh has installed over 6 million solar home systems in off-grid areas.
With this, the nation ensured clean electricity for 12% of the population, he said during a courtesy call with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan at his office in the secretariat.
“Bangladesh is now placing further emphasis on large-scale solar projects. To date, the country has installed 10 large-scale solar parks, 28 solar mini-grids, 2,881 solar irrigation pumps, 1,952 net metering rooftop solar systems, and 82 solar-powered drinking systems,” he said.
During the meeting, topics such as green transformation, technology transfer, assistance in NAP implementation, and environmental protection in Bangladesh were discussed.
Secretary of the ministry Dr Farhina Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Admin) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Environment and Climate Change) Sanjay Kumar Bhowmik, and Joint Secretary (Environment) Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury were also present.
The environment minister announced that the Bangladesh government has introduced a progressive new “green tax” termed the “Environment Protection Surcharge”.
This tax aims to force industries polluting the environment to pay additional levies as the nation strives to combat increasing pollution in its air and water bodies.
Moreover, in its 2023-2024 budget, the government introduced a “carbon tax” targeting owners of multiple cars.
This move seeks to decrease carbon emissions, encouraging the public to utilize public transportation and support the growth of electric vehicles in the country.
The minister expressed hope that the brotherly relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will deepen in the future, fostering ties in business, trade, cultural exchanges, education, environment, and tourism.
