Experts have called for stricter pollution monitoring, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and faster adoption of renewable energy, warning that air pollution is undermining Bangladesh’s clean energy transition.
The call came at a discussion titled “Renewables Now: Renewable Energy to Combat Air Pollution,” held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium recently. The event was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Stamford University Bangladesh and 35 other civic and social organizations.
Presenting the keynote paper, Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder of Stamford University Bangladesh said a joint study by Stamford University and Bangladesh University of Professionals found that dust accumulation could reduce solar panel performance by 12–15%. Cleaning the panels increased power output by an average of 12%, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance.
Majumder urged the government to accelerate the 3,000MW industrial rooftop solar program, withdraw import duties on solar equipment, introduce automated panel-cleaning systems and ensure real-time monitoring of emissions from industrial zones and coal-fired power plants.
Stamford University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sharif Nafees As-Saber stressed the need to identify pollution sources, raise public awareness and priorities domestic technologies while drawing on international expertise.
Other speakers, including Professor ATM Nurul Amin of North South University and Roufa Khanam of BRAC University, called for greener urban planning, behavioral change, improved solar maintenance and coordinated action among government agencies, industries and communities.
