Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 13, 2026 (BSS) - Calling for the implementation of the target to install 5,000 megawatts of rooftop solar on government buildings, the Rajshahi Environment and Development Forum today held a human chain at the District Commissioner’s Office premises.

Later, a memorandum containing this demand was submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
 
The programme was presided over by Advocate Dil Setara Chuni, Joint Convener of the Environment and Development Forum. 

Member Secretary Rashed Ripon, members Subhash Chandra Hembram, Chhoton Sardar, Pankaj Karmakar, and others also spoke.
 
Speakers at the programme said that expanding rooftop solar would create new markets and employment opportunities for the local solar industry, installation sector, maintenance services, and related equipment suppliers. This would help build a sustainable green economy.

On behalf of the organisations, demands were made for the rapid installation of rooftop solar on the roofs of the Rajshahi District Administration and all government institutions, educational institutions, and hospitals across the country, along with necessary administrative support and making the net-metering system simpler and more people-friendly.
 
Advocate Dil Setara Chuni said that according to information published in the media, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has instructed all District Commissioner's Offices in the country to install rooftop solar within three months. 
She described the initiative as timely, environmentally friendly, and an economically important step.
 
Environment and Development Forum member Subhash Hembram said Bangladesh is currently facing multifaceted challenges of energy crisis, import dependency, and climate change.

In this situation, generating solar power using the roofs of government buildings would reduce pressure on the national grid while also playing an important role in lowering electricity costs, saving foreign currency, and creating green jobs at the local level.
 
Rashed Ripon, Director of Paribartan, said, “If this initiative is successfully implemented, Bangladesh will be established as a regional example in renewable energy and will move toward a clean, affordable, and sustainable energy future.”