Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said Bangladesh is steadily advancing toward clean energy, a green economy, and a self-reliant energy system through expanded use of renewable energy technologies. Report BSS
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the “Renewable Solar Power On-Grid Rooftop” initiative at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka.
“Today we are inaugurating an initiative that is not only a power generation project, but also a symbol of Bangladesh’s sustainable future,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to the launch of the one-megawatt rooftop solar power system at the parliament complex, he said the project sends a strong message that Bangladesh is moving steadily toward clean energy, sustainable economic growth, and energy self-reliance.
At the request of the Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, formally inaugurated the rooftop solar initiative.
Tarique Rahman, who is also Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, designed by renowned architect Louis I. Kahn, remains a symbol of Bangladesh’s democracy.
“By utilizing solar energy on the rooftop of this iconic building, we are demonstrating that leadership must be reflected not only in policy decisions but also in practical action,” he said.
Highlighting the country’s growing energy demand, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s expanding economy and increasing industrialization are driving up electricity consumption rapidly. However, he noted that Bangladesh remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Mentioning sea-level rise, irregular rainfall, cyclones, and river erosion as pressing challenges, he said transitioning to sustainable energy is now not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and national security necessity.
“Solar energy is the brightest aspect of that potential,” he added.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh receives an average of 4.5 to 5 kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square meter daily, creating enormous opportunities for renewable energy generation through rooftops, industrial zones, open lands, and coastal regions.
He also noted that the global cost of solar power generation has declined significantly over the past decade, making solar energy not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.
Describing the parliament rooftop solar project as part of a broader national journey, Tarique Rahman expressed hope that the initiative would inspire both public and private institutions across the country to adopt clean energy solutions.
“If every institution and every citizen joins this journey toward clean energy, Bangladesh can, InshaAllah, quickly become a model state of green and sustainable development,” he said.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni were present on the dais during the ceremony.
Cabinet members, lawmakers, parliament secretariat officials, and members of the Prime Minister’s Press Wing also attended the event.
