The Rajshahi Environment and Development Forum formed a human chain in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office yesterday, demanding the implementation of the government’s target to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity through rooftop solar installations on government buildings across the country.
Following the demonstration, forum leaders submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General).
The program was presided over by Advocate Dil Setara Chuni, joint convener of the forum. Among others who spoke at the event were Member Secretary Rashed Ripon and members Subhash Chandra Hembrom, Chhotan Sardar, and Pankaj Karmakar.
Speakers at the event emphasized that expanding rooftop solar systems would create new opportunities in the local solar industry, including installation services, maintenance, and equipment supply, ultimately contributing to the growth of a sustainable green economy.
The organization called for the immediate installation of rooftop solar systems on all government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals, including facilities under the Rajshahi district administration. They also urged the government to simplify the net-metering system and provide stronger administrative support to encourage wider adoption.
Advocate Dil Setara Chuni said that, according to recent media reports, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has directed all district administration offices to install rooftop solar systems within the next three months. He described the initiative as timely, environmentally responsible, and economically significant.
Forum member Subhash Chandra Hembrom stated that Bangladesh is currently facing multiple challenges, including an energy crisis, import dependency, and climate change. In this context, he said, utilizing the rooftops of government buildings for solar power generation could help reduce pressure on the national grid, lower electricity costs, save foreign currency, and create green jobs at the local level.
Rashed Ripon, Director of Transformation, said that successful implementation of the initiative would establish Bangladesh as a regional example in renewable energy and move the country toward a cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable energy future.
