Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood on Friday expressed hope that load-shedding in Mymensingh would decline before next summer.
"The government has taken initiatives to address electricity and gas supply problems in the region," he said, while inaugurating the Domestic Rooftop Solar (DTRS) Programme at the Bhaluka Upazila Parishad auditorium in Mymensingh.
The minister alleged that the previous Awami League government celebrated what it claimed was 100 percent electrification without taking adequate steps to resolve electricity supply problems.
He said the previous government had failed to develop adequate electricity and gas transmission infrastructure in Mymensingh, leaving people in the region struggling with shortages.
The present government has taken initiatives to address these problems, he said, expressing optimism that the situation would improve before the next summer.
Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said the rooftop solar programme would encourage households to generate electricity using solar panels installed on residential buildings, helping ease pressure on the national power supply.
He also said the initiative would contribute to expanding renewable energy and achieving the government’s targets for environmentally friendly electricity generation.
The minister sought cooperation from all concerned to implement the government’s plans to address the country’s electricity and energy challenges.
As part of the programme’s inauguration, rooftop solar systems with battery storage were installed at two residences.
A 20-kilowatt-peak (kWp) system was installed at the residence of special guest and MP Fakhr Uddin Ahmed, while a 5-kWp system was installed at the house of local resident Md Sohel Rana in Bhaluka.
Fakhr Uddin Ahmed, a member of parliament, attended the event as a special guest.
Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahroukh chaired the programme, while Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) Acting Managing Director SM Monirul Islam delivered the welcome address.
IDCOL Head of Renewable Energy Md Enamul Karim Pavel made a presentation on the programme.
Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) Chief Executive Officer SM Anichuzzaman and Economic Relations Division Joint Secretary Md Ashfaqul Amin Mukut also spoke at the event.
The DTRS programme is being implemented jointly by IDCOL and BIFFL to expand the use of solar power in the country’s residential sector.
It aims to encourage households to install rooftop solar systems and increase the share of renewable energy in domestic electricity consumption. Government officials, representatives of IDCOL and BIFFL and invited guests attended the programme.