Ch ief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has underscored the urgent need for Bangladesh to transition towards cleaner, safer, and more affordable energy solutions as the country navigates a new path toward sustainable economic development. Speaking during a recent virtual conference with Carl Page, Chairman of the Anthropocene Institute, and his colleagues, Professor Yunus said Bangladesh-one of the world’s most densely populated and climatevulnerable nations-cannot afford prolonged reliance on fossil fuels. ‘It is time for Bangladesh to seriously consider clean energy alternatives, including large-scale solar deployment,’ Professor Yunus said. Carl Page, brother of Google co-founder Larry Page, highlighted recent advancements in next-generation nuclear technologies and hybrid systems that offer reliable, zero-carbon power. He emphasized that barge-mounted nuclear reactors are cost-effective, low-maintenance, and capable of powering Bangladesh’s growing industrial sector for decades. Nuclear power is no longer a taboo topic among major development financiers like the World Bank, Page said, adding that countries such as Indonesia are already adopting these technologies to meet their rising energy demands. BIDA, DESCO Sign MoU to Install 150kWp Rooftop Solar System at Biniyog Bhaban The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO) Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to install, operate, and maintain a 150 kilowattpeak (kWp) rooftop solar power system at BIDA’s headquarters at Agargaon in the city. The signing ceremony, held at the Investment Building’s conference room, was presided over by BIDA Executive Chairman (State Minister) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, said a press release. DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed ndc, PSC (retd) attended the event as special guest.
on behalf of BIDA, the MoU was signed by Director Md. Maruful Alam, while DESCO’s Company Secretary Engineer Mohammad Kamruzzaman signed on behalf of the power distributor.
according to the agreement, DESCO will implement, operate, and maintain the system on a 9,105-square-foot rooftop area. The 20-year project involves an installation cost of around Tk 8.9 million, with an additional Tk 8.7 million earmarked for maintenance and replacement during the project’s lifespan.
the solar system is expected to generate about 2.85 million kilowatt-hours of electricity over 20 years, worth approximately Tk 29.9 million.