Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the authorities to take urgent steps to generate power by installing solar panels on the rooftops of all government buildings across the country.
He issued the instruction during a meeting titled “National Rooftop Solar Programme”, held at state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.
Officials at the meeting noted that Bangladesh is lagging behind its neighbours in expanding solar power. Citing the 2024 report of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), they stated that India produces 24% of its electricity demand through solar power, Pakistan 17.16%, and Sri Lanka 39.7%, compared to Bangladesh’s 5.6%.
Under the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, Bangladesh aims to meet 20% of its power demand from renewables by 2030 and 30% by 2040. To reach these targets, tenders for 55 land-based solar power plants with a total capacity of 5,238 MW have already been initiated, though officials noted that implementation will take until 2028.
At the meeting, the Chief Adviser stressed the need to rapidly implement the “National Rooftop Solar Programme” and to begin installing solars panels on government buildings, as well as on schools, colleges, madrasas, and government hospitals.
“Consider whether solar panel installation can be undertaken by private entities,” Yunus said. “The private sector will cover the setup and maintenance at its own cost, using the rooftops provided by the government.”
He also noted that institutions would not have to pay electricity bills for power generated on-site, and they would receive rent for their rooftop spaces.
“Learn from those who have already installed rooftop solar systems,” he added. “We must address any challenges they face so that we can move forward more effectively.”
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and senior officials of different ministries attended the meeting.