Aug 02 (V7N) - Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Prof. Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has emphasized the need for a nationwide social movement to accelerate Bangladesh's renewable energy transition, alongside expanding local manufacturing of solar technologies and pursuing a balanced energy mix to strengthen long-term energy security.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Distributed Renewable Energy: The Future Solar Solution for Bangladesh" at the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF) auditorium in Dhaka, Titumir said the country must move beyond policy commitments and build broad public participation to make renewable energy a people's movement.
"The first task is to create demand through a social movement. Once citizens articulate that demand, the market will naturally respond with supply," he said, adding that collective action is essential for protecting nature and biodiversity for future generations.
Recalling Bangladesh's history of successful public movements—from mass literacy campaigns to the Expanded Programme on Immunization—Titumir called on civil society, NGOs, and microfinance institutions to spearhead a nationwide campaign for clean energy adoption, describing access to renewable energy as a right for every household.
He noted that renewable energy could reduce household expenses, boost savings, and create investment opportunities, helping break cycles of poverty. He also stressed reducing reliance on imported fuel by promoting household-level solar solutions, including solar-powered cooking, to ease pressure on gas supplies and cut LPG imports.
Turning to local manufacturing, Titumir underscored the importance of producing solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other components domestically rather than relying heavily on imports. "Local manufacturing will strengthen supply chains, create jobs, promote innovation, and make renewable energy more affordable," he said, pointing out that Bangladesh's large consumer market gives it the scale to support a competitive renewable energy industry.
On energy mix, the adviser said Bangladesh needs a diversified portfolio where renewables gradually take on a larger share. "We are not saying conventional energy will disappear overnight. Rather, Bangladesh needs a diversified energy mix in which renewable energy assumes a progressively larger share," he explained, noting this would reduce import dependence and shield the country from global uncertainties.
Titumir said the government has already introduced fiscal incentives—including tax and duty benefits—to encourage solar investment. He urged microfinance institutions to incorporate renewable energy financing into their programmes and called on NGOs to include clean energy access in their institutional targets.
The event was jointly organized by the ERF and the Distributed Renewable Energy Platform (DREP). ERF President Doulot Akter Mala chaired the session, while DREP Coordinator Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem moderated. Speakers from CPD, BSREA, CLEAN, SOLshare, and ActionAid Bangladesh discussed policy reforms, financing, storage, and public awareness. CPD also launched its "Renewables in Bangladesh" website as an information platform for the sector.
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