Effective Participation of Local Government Is Essential to Make Rooftop Solar Successful

The human chain and memorandum submission held in Khagrachari in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, demanding the expansion of rooftop solar power, was not merely a protest program. Rather, it is being viewed as a clear policy call for sustainable development, energy justice, and inclusive economic growth. Through this initiative, local communities, civil society actors, and professionals collectively highlighted the potential and necessity of renewable energy, creating an important and relevant space for development partners and NGO donors.

Khagrachari district has long been deprived of uninterrupted energy services due to chronic electricity shortages, infrastructural limitations, and challenging geographical conditions. Grid-dependent electricity supply remains unreliable in the area, severely disrupting education, healthcare, small businesses, and women’s economic activities. In this context, rooftop solar technology has emerged as an effective, environmentally friendly, and locally applicable solution.

The human chain was organized by FED–Khagrachari, with support from Zabarang Kalyan Samity, CLEAN, and BWGED. The slogan, “10 Lakh Rooftop Solar, 10 Lakh Jobs,” represents not only a target for electricity generation but also a vision of integrated social and economic transformation. This concept demonstrates how the renewable energy sector can simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation, poverty reduction, and job creation.

Speakers at the human chain repeatedly emphasized the accountability of local government institutions and national-level policymakers. According to the Local Government Act 2009, ensuring access to basic services particularly energy in the hill districts is a legal obligation. However, this responsibility has not been adequately fulfilled in practice. As a result, hill communities, especially indigenous women and children, continue to be deprived of safe lighting, clean cooking energy, and access to information technology.

Headman Ikhin Chowdhury

In his remarks, Headman Ikhin Chowdhury expressed strong dissatisfaction with the role of local government. He stated that although ensuring energy access for people in the hill districts is a legal obligation under the Local Government Act 2009, this responsibility is being consistently neglected. Recalling the irreversible losses suffered by hill communities due to the construction of the Kaptai Dam, he emphasized that no community should be harmed again in the name of development. According to him, solar energy is a source that is environmentally friendly, safe, and capable of generating electricity without displacing people. He particularly highlighted the situation of Indigenous women in the hills, noting that their continued lack of access to safe and affordable energy is deepening social inequality.

Dayananda Tripura, Executive Director, In-charge, Zabarang

Speaking on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dayananda Tripura stated that there is no alternative to increasing the use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels if the SDGs are to be achieved by 2030. He pointed out that Bangladesh still generates less than five percent of its total electricity from renewable sources, which is deeply concerning. To overcome this situation, he stressed that the government must acknowledge its shortcomings and take urgent and effective action.

Noor Alam (Coordinator, TIB Khagrachari)

He stated that due to corruption and mismanagement in the energy sector, ordinary people are being deprived of electricity at fair and affordable prices. He argued that without ensuring transparency and accountability at both central and local levels, the crisis in the power sector will deepen further. He called on the government to provide subsidies, tax incentives, easy loans, and long-term policy support for rooftop solar panel installation.

Jahur Alam (Vice President, Khagrachari Press Club)

He said that rooftop solar is a practical and sustainable solution to address the country’s electricity shortage. He noted that with appropriate policies and an investment-friendly environment, the sector could create employment opportunities for millions of people. He emphasized that improving youth skills in the hill districts through this sector could significantly strengthen the local economy.

Shyamal Rozario (Representative, Daily Ananda)

He stated that there is no alternative to solar energy in meeting the country’s growing electricity demand. He highlighted how fossil fuel based power generation contributes to environmental degradation while increasing economic pressure due to import dependency. According to him, expanding solar energy use can protect the environment while also reducing dependence on foreign currency.

Arun Kanti Chakma (Executive Director, Alo)

In his concluding remarks as chair, Arun Kanti Chakma said that sunlight is the greatest inexhaustible resource given by the Creator. He argued that failing to utilize this natural resource undermines the moral foundation of claims for sustainable development. He called on both the government and the private sector to work together to expand rooftop solar, noting that such initiatives would not only protect the environment but also create extensive employment opportunities for women and youth.

At the end of the human chain, a memorandum was submitted to the District Commissioner. The memorandum clearly demanded subsidies and easy loan facilities for rooftop solar installation, rapid implementation of the national renewable energy policy, priority-based expansion of solar energy in hill and marginalized regions, and ensured employment opportunities for women and youth. This initiative has demonstrated that with proper policy support and investment from development partners, rooftop solar can emerge as a transformative development model in regions like Khagrachari addressing local needs while contributing significantly to national and global development goals.