Rayhan Ahmed, Mymensingh Bureau: Local government representatives, government officials and stakeholders have called for greater promotion of rooftop solar power to enhance energy security, address future electricity challenges and support climate-resilient development.The call came at a session titled “Orientation of LGI, Leaders and Stakeholders on the Climate-Energy Nexus, focusing on Rooftop Solar” held at the Upazila Parishad Conference Room in Ishwarganj, Mymensingh, on August 24, 2026.The event was organised by Onnochitra Foundation, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), and Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) to discuss the opportunities and challenges of rooftop solar energy and to engage local government institutions in promoting renewable energy solutions.Ishwarganj Upazila Parishad Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanzida Rahman chaired the session.The meeting featured a presentation and discussion on a policy brief titled “Benefits of Rooftop Solar”, which highlights the potential of rooftop solar in creating employment opportunities, strengthening energy security, promoting economic development and protecting the environment.Speaking at the event, Rebecca Sultana, Executive Director of Onnochitra Foundation, said rooftop solar could become an important pathway towards a sustainable energy future.“Unused rooftops of residential buildings, government offices, educational institutions and commercial establishments can be transformed into sources of clean energy. With proper policy support, accessible financing and technical assistance, rooftop solar can contribute significantly to meeting future electricity demand,” she said.She added that expanding renewable energy at the local level requires stronger coordination among government agencies, development organisations and communities.The policy brief shared at the event notes that Bangladesh’s electricity and energy sector remains significantly dependent on imported fossil fuels, creating challenges related to energy security and economic pressure. It emphasises increasing the use of renewable energy to build a sustainable and resilient energy system.The document also highlights that rooftop solar has the potential to reduce pressure on the national grid by enabling electricity generation closer to consumers. It points out that wider adoption of rooftop solar can create new employment opportunities through installation, maintenance and related technical services.Participants at the discussion said local government institutions can play a key role in expanding rooftop solar by creating public awareness, identifying suitable locations and facilitating coordination among relevant stakeholders.Upazila Project Implementation Officer ; Nandan Kumar Debnath, Upazila Youth Development Officer; Fatema-tuz-Zohura, Upazila Women Affairs Officer, and Aktaruzzaman, member of Forum on Ecology and Development Mymensingh, attended the session.The programme was moderated by Nusrat Neha, intern of the COP project of Onnochitra Foundation.Participants stressed that renewable energy expansion is essential not only for reducing carbon emissions but also for ensuring long-term energy security. They also highlighted the importance of policy support, financial mechanisms and technical capacity development for accelerating rooftop solar adoption.The policy brief further underlines the role of rooftop solar in advancing environmental protection, climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The session concluded with a discussion on practical steps needed at the local level to promote rooftop solar installations and address future electricity challenges.