PM launches 1MW solar project
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday inaugurated a one-megawatt on-grid rooftop solar power system at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, declaring the project a symbol of Bangladesh’s commitment to clean energy, a green economy and a self-reliant energy future.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the “Renewable Solar Power On-Grid Rooftop” initiative, the prime minister said the project was more than a power generation exercise. “Today we are inaugurating an initiative that is not only a power generation project, but also a symbol of Bangladesh’s sustainable future,” he said.
At his request, JS Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, formally launched the initiative. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, cabinet members, lawmakers and senior officials were present at the ceremony.
Leadership Through Action, Not Just Policy
Tarique Rahman, who also serves as chairman of the ruling BNP, drew attention to the historic significance of the venue. The Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, designed by the renowned American architect Louis I. Kahn, is “undoubtedly a symbol of the country’s democracy,” he said.
“Today, by utilising solar energy
on the rooftop of this building, we are trying to demonstrate that leadership must be reflected not only in policy but also in practical action,” he said.
Climate Vulnerability Drives the Energy Imperative
The premier acknowledged that Bangladesh’s growing economy and rapid industrialisation are pushing up electricity demand sharply, but argued that the country’s acute exposure to climate change made the transition to sustainable energy a strategic necessity.
“Our economy is expanding, industrialisation is increasing and electricity demand is also rising rapidly. But at the same time, we must acknowledge that Bangladesh is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries,” he said.
Citing sea-level rise, erratic rainfall, cyclones and river erosion as everyday realities for Bangladeshis, Tarique Rahman said the move towards clean energy had gone beyond an environmental obligation. “It has become an essential part of our economy and national security,” he said. “Solar energy is the brightest aspect of that potential.”
Solar Potential and Falling Global Costs
The prime minister pointed to Bangladesh’s favourable solar geography, noting the country receives an average of 4.5 to 5 kilowatt-hours of solar radiation per square kilometre daily. “Our countless rooftops, industrial areas, open lands and coastal regions hold enormous potential for renewable energy,” he said.
He also noted that the cost of solar power generation had fallen significantly worldwide over the past decade, making it “not only environmentally-friendly but also an economically effective solution.”
The premier closed with a call for broader participation across the public and private sectors. “I firmly believe this initiative at the JS Bhaban will inspire all public and private institutions across the country. If every institution and every citizen joins this journey toward clean energy, Bangladesh can, InshaAllah, very quickly become a model state of green and sustainable development,” he said.
