Renewable energy will play a key role in building a just city, said Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a high-level policy dialogue titled “The Role of Renewable Energy for Building a Just Urban”, jointly organised by DNCC and the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) at DNCC Nagar Bhaban auditorium in Gulshan-2 on Monday.
The session was presided over by Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, Head of the Department of Architecture at State University of Bangladesh, while Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS, presented the keynote paper.
Speaking at the event, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz emphasised the potential of installing solar panels on buildings in Dhaka’s planned neighbourhoods, where uniform building heights provide adequate rooftop clearance.
He said buildings can meet their own electricity demand and even contribute to the national grid through effective rooftop solar implementation, making the concept of a "just transition" more attainable.
Azaz also announced that DNCC is considering a 5% holding tax rebate for rooftop solar panel users, stressing the need for continued research in this field.
Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, in his keynote, said that Dhaka ranks among the worst cities in terms of air quality, livability, traffic congestion, and noise pollution.
Referring to Yale University’s 2024 Environmental Performance Index, where Bangladesh ranks 175th out of 180 countries, he warned that unplanned urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have led to severe environmental degradation. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is one of the key solutions to combat this crisis.
DNCC Chief Executive Officer Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman pointed out that Dhaka is an unplanned city and achieving justice in such a context requires comprehensive planning and implementation.
Prof Dr Adil Mohammed Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), noted that Bangladesh has significant potential for renewable energy. He emphasized the need to promote its use across sectors and raise awareness to build a greener and healthier future.
Professor Dr M Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environment at the University of Dhaka, advocated for reduced energy demand, increased use of public transport, and greater responsibility among polluters.
Mohammad Fazle Reza Sumon, Convenor of BIP’s Advisory Board, proposed that rooftop management could be a major source of renewable energy and urged collective action at the individual level.
Professor Dr Ijaz Hossain, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at BUET, emphasized identifying major polluters and taking strict control measures, including promoting electric vehicles charged by solar energy
Roufa Khanam of the Center for Climate and Environmental Research (C3ER) stressed the need for skilled technical management, effective monitoring, and incentives to implement renewable energy laws effectively.
The event concluded with a closing remark from Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, who underscored the dual necessity of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
