Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 4, 2026 (BSS) - Amid ongoing volatility in the global energy market, energy experts, environmental activists and renewable energy sector organizers today demanded that renewable energy be given top priority in the national budget.

The speakers called for greater budgetary support for the renewable energy sector in the National Budget 2026-27, including tax and duty exemptions on solar equipment, low-cost financing, and effective policy incentives.

The speakers also noted that investment in new coal-, oil- and LNG-dependent projects should be limited, while investment in renewable energy should be increased.

In this context, CLEAN, Poriborton and BWGED organised a pre-budget press conference titled "Global Energy Crisis and Renewable Energy" at a restaurant in the city.

The speakers said Bangladesh, particularly the Rajshahi region, is highly suitable for solar power generation. Therefore, solar systems can be installed here with government subsidies. At the same time, such projects can be implemented through low-interest loans, they said.

They added that solar panels can be installed in vegetable fields using the agrivoltaics method. Household electricity demand can be met through rooftop solar panels, while floating solar panels in Rajshahi's fish farming areas could generate electricity alongside fish cultivation.

The event was chaired by Kalpana Roy, president of the Forum on Ecology and Development (FED), Rajshahi. Among others, freedom fighter Tayebur Rahman, senior journalist Mustafizur Rahman Khan, Poriborton Director Rashed Ripon, and Campaign Associate Roni Roy attended the programme.

The speakers further said that although rooftop solar panels have been installed on high-rise buildings in the city, many are not operational and must be made functional. They also stressed the need to make the solar-powered irrigation pumps of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority operational.

Solar power entrepreneur Ishtiaq Ahmed said at the event that a joint venture with a Chinese company is planning to establish a 50-megawatt solar power project in the Falia Beel area of Rajshahi. All electricity generated from the project will be sold to NESCO.

The speakers also said that rising prices of oil, LNG and coal in the international market have significantly increased electricity generation costs in Bangladesh.