Solar panels, sensor-based lighting proposed for parliament complex
A parliamentary committee on Monday recommended installing solar panels at the National Parliament Building and introducing measures to reduce electricity consumption and modernise energy management.
The recommendations came at the second meeting of the committee formed to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels on the parliament premises, ensuring efficient electricity use and modernising energy management. The meeting was held at the Parliament Building.
The meeting was chaired by committee convener and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, MP.
A three-dimensional (3D) presentation outlining the proposed installation of solar panels at the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat was presented at the meeting.
Members discussed the secretariat's overall electricity demand, the operational requirements of its central air-conditioning system, natural ventilation and airflow in different parts of the building, and the feasibility of installing solar panels in vacant and underutilised spaces.
They also stressed the need to determine the appropriate capacity of the solar power system based on electricity demand and technical feasibility, alongside developing a long-term implementation plan.
To prevent electricity wastage and improve energy efficiency across the parliament complex, the committee recommended raising public awareness and bringing all lights and lighting fixtures under sensor-based controls.
It also called for greater accountability among officials and staff responsible for electricity use, recommending departmental action against those found responsible for wastage.
The committee further recommended installing sub-meters or prepaid meters to ensure proper collection of electricity bills from the Sonali Bank PLC branch and residential areas within the parliament complex.
Regarding the mosque's air-conditioning system, the meeting stressed the need for more efficient energy use. It recommended switching on the air conditioners one hour before prayer times during parliamentary sessions and 30 minutes before prayers at other times.
The committee also decided to review information on the allocation and contractual arrangements for a playground within the parliament complex designated for people with disabilities under the Ministry of Social Welfare. A report will be prepared after the review.
It also decided to prepare a comprehensive Development Project Proposal (DPP) for installing a solar power system through the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) and present it at the next meeting.
Committee members Anindya Islam Amit, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources, and lawmakers Md Ashraf Uddin, Lutfullahil Majed, Md Saiful Alam and Mardia Momtaz attended the meeting.