Jashore Correspondent //

Anindya Islam Amit, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that initiatives are underway to utilize the unused rooftops of government and private buildings, industrial factories, and various institutions for electricity generation. Under rooftop solar power systems, surplus electricity—remaining after meeting one’s own needs—can be supplied to the national grid. The government will purchase this electricity at a rate of Tk 10.50 per unit.

He made these remarks today, Saturday, while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “From Strategy to Implementation: Implementing the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy and National Rooftop Solar Power Program” at the BRAC Learning Centre in Jashore. The workshop was organized under the Green Energy Transition-Policy Advisory Partnership project.

The State Minister said, “We must prioritize solar power to meet the country’s growing electricity demand and reduce import dependency in the energy sector. There are a vast number of rooftops on government and private buildings and institutions across the country. If the opportunity to install solar panels on these rooftops is utilized, it will be possible to simultaneously increase electricity generation and reduce the strain on conventional energy sources.”

He added, “Electricity generated through rooftop solar systems will first be used by the respective individuals or institutions for their own needs. Any surplus electricity can then be supplied to the national grid. The Power Division’s net metering system also provides an opportunity to feed surplus renewable energy into the grid after the consumer’s own usage.”

State Minister Amit further stated, “Implementing this initiative will reduce the load on the national grid while enabling households, institutions, and entrepreneurs to utilize their rooftops as assets for power generation. Consequently, alongside electricity production, economic opportunities will be created for individuals and institutions alike.”

He emphasized that shifting towards eco-friendly and renewable energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels is the need of the hour. To ensure future energy security, investments must be increased in solar power generation and the expansion of rooftop solar systems.

The workshop covered various topics, including the implementation of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030), 2030 targets, solar power generation, financing, carbon credits, incentives, policy support, and net metering. The Power Division has already published the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030) alongside the National Rooftop Solar Program.

Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arafin, Joint Secretary and Coordinator at the Power Division, delivered the welcome address. Special guests included Stoyanka Stich, Coordinator of the Energy Sector at GIZ Bangladesh (a German development agency), and Noor Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Planning) of the Power Division.

Presided over by Jashore Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Ashek Hasan, the event was attended by Jashore District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Jashore Chamber of Commerce President Mizanur Rahman Khan, as well as government officials, public representatives, and business leaders from across the Khulna Division.

Opinions were shared.