A parliamentary committee on Sunday directed the authorities to install separate sub-meters and bring all lights at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban under sensors by November 30 as part of efforts to ensure efficient use of electricity.

The directives came at the third meeting of the committee on opinions regarding the feasibility of installing solar panels in the Jatiya Sangsad area, ensuring economical use of electricity and modernising energy management.

Committee convener and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presided over the meeting.

The Public Works Department (PWD) was instructed to install and bring into operation a separate sub-meter at the Sonali Bank Limited branch in the Sangsad Bhaban by November 30.

It was also told to ensure that all lights in the Sangsad Bhaban are brought under sensors by the same date. The meeting also decided to install a separate sub-meter at the LD Hall, which is used commercially.

The Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) gave a three-dimensional (3D) presentation on the plan to install solar panels at the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

Members discussed the secretariat’s overall electricity demand, the scope of its central air-conditioning system and the potential of unused and vacant spaces suitable for solar panels.

The meeting also stressed determining the appropriate capacity of the solar power system, considering power demand and technical capacity, and drawing up future plans accordingly.

The committee found the development project proposal (DPP) and technical feasibility study prepared by DPDC for the solar power system unsatisfactory.

It directed that a fresh survey be completed and a report prepared within 48 hours. The report will be placed at the committee’s next meeting, scheduled for December 18, 2026.

The meeting also formed a sub-committee to examine management and operational matters relating to the allocation of a playground within the Sangsad Bhaban area, which has been allotted for use by persons with disabilities under the Ministry of Social Welfare, as well as the related contract and expenditure of Tk 13.95 crore.

The sub-committee comprises committee members Md Ashraf Uddin and Mardia Mamtaz, along with a representative each from the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat and the PWD, and officials concerned of the ministries of Social Welfare and Youth and Sports.

It will submit a report at the next meeting.