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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to install rooftop solar panels on all government buildings, including schools, colleges, madrasas, and hospitals, as part of a fast-track initiative to boost renewable energy production.
The directive came during a high-level meeting on the ‘National Rooftop Solar Programme’, held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.
Citing a 2024 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), officials at the meeting highlighted Bangladesh’s lagging performance in solar energy adoption compared to neighboring countries. While India generates 24%, Pakistan 17.16%, and Sri Lanka 39.7% of their total electricity from solar sources, Bangladesh’s solar contribution stands at just 5.6%.
Under the country’s Renewable Energy Policy 2025, Bangladesh aims to meet 20% of its total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, and 30% by 2040. To this end, tenders for 55 land-based solar power projects with a combined capacity of 5,238 MW are already underway, but full implementation is expected to take until 2028.
Given the urgent need for faster solutions, Professor Yunus stressed the importance of the National Rooftop Solar Programme, describing it as a more immediate and scalable option.
He suggested exploring private sector partnerships for the installations. “The government will provide the rooftops, but private investors can handle installation, maintenance, and operation at their own cost and business risk,” Yunus said.
He also instructed officials to study the operational challenges and lessons from institutions that have already installed rooftop solar systems.
A key feature of the program will ensure that government educational and healthcare institutions benefit directly, by eliminating electricity bills and receiving rent for rooftop space used for solar generation.
Among others, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and senior officials from various ministries attended the meeting.
