Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju said that greater use of solar energy is essential to meet the country's rising electricity demand, stressing that renewable energy has become indispensable in the current global situation.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Importance of Solar Power as Renewable Energy: Problems, Prospects and the Way Forward" held at the KCC Solar Energy Park Training Centre in Sonadanga today.

Manju said the expansion of solar energy in Bangladesh had slowed in recent years despite earlier widespread adoption, particularly in rural markets and commercial establishments. He attributed the slowdown to a shortage of technically skilled manpower and a lack of adequate policy support in the past.

He noted that many small and large shops in rural marketplaces had once adopted solar technology, demonstrating its strong potential as an alternative energy source.

The seminar was organised by the environmental platform Poribesh Surakkha Mancha under the theme "Live with Nature, Save Nature", aiming to revitalise the solar energy training centre and raise awareness on renewable energy.

The KCC administrator said recent international tensions, including the Iran-US conflict, had highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

He also said a Chinese company had expressed interest in setting up a solar panel manufacturing plant in Khulna and urged stakeholders to take advantage of such investment opportunities.

Calling for coordinated efforts to address the ongoing power shortage, Manju said initiatives should be taken to build not only a green city but also a "solar city." He also announced plans to reactivate the solar energy training centre.

Speakers at the seminar said renewable energy is gaining importance globally, while geopolitical instability has made imports of fuel oil, gas, and coal more difficult and expensive.

They warned that energy shortages are affecting industrial production and harming agriculture by disrupting irrigation and water supply.

The speakers also highlighted environmental damage caused by fossil fuels, noting that carbon emissions are accelerating climate change and increasing the frequency of cyclones, floods, and storm surges.

They welcomed the government's emphasis on solar power, saying that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to ensure maximum investment in the renewable energy sector. They also noted that solar equipment imports have been exempted from duties in the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Advocate Kudrat-e-Khuda presided over the seminar. Former Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong University Professor Dr. Md. Yahia, Chief Engineer of Khulna Development Authority Md. Sabirul Alam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Mihir Lal Sardar, and Professor Dr. Salah Uddin Mina of Khulna University's Physics Discipline spoke as special guests.

Earlier in the morning, KCC Administrator Manju inaugurated a day-long preparatory workshop on the Cluster Development Plan (CDP), including the Capital Investment Plan (CIP), at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Nagar Bhaban.