Dhaka University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim has demanded an integrated solar power project, increased on-campus power generation, and connecting surplus power to the national grid to transform Dhaka University into an energy-self-reliant, green campus.

Hamim submitted a memorandum containing these demands to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam on Thursday morning. Activists and JCD leaders from several halls were present during the submission.

The memorandum highlighted that expanding renewable energy usage is a national priority given Bangladesh’s growing power demand, energy security concerns, generation costs, and climate change impacts. It identified solar power as a long-term, environmentally friendly energy solution.

To achieve this, the memorandum proposed the ‘Dhaka University Rooftop Solar & Green Energy Project’, which would utilise rooftops across academic, administrative, and residential hall buildings. The project aims to meet the university’s daily electricity demand of approximately 8.5 megawatts first, supplying any surplus power to the national grid under net metering or grid-connected systems.

The proposal outlines a phased implementation starting with a comprehensive ‘Solar Potential Assessment’ to examine structural capacities, roof areas, electricity consumption patterns, and grid connection potential. This assessment would help formulate a ‘Dhaka University Solar Master Plan’, followed by pilot solar initiatives on high-consumption, technically suitable buildings before expanding across campus.

The project is expected to lower long-term electricity expenditure, build eco-friendly infrastructure, and serve as a ‘Living Laboratory’ for educational and research purposes in areas like smart grids, carbon reduction, energy storage, and renewable energy economics. To finance the venture, the proposal suggests considering Green Financing, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and ESCO/OPEX models alongside government allocations.

“A successful rollout at Dhaka University could serve as a national model for other educational institutions, hospitals, and public facilities, turning the university into a clean energy producer rather than just a consumer”, the memorandum read.

Among those present during the memorandum handover were Dhaka University JCD Joint General Secretary Mousumi Sheikh, Sports Secretary Saif Ullah, Ziaur Rahman Hall Convener Jahidul Islam, Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall Convener Hasibur Rahman Asif, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall Convener Maliha Binte Avanti Khan, Sir AF Rahman Hall Senior Joint Convener Mehedi Hasan Munna, Associate Sports Secretary Saadman Shakib Biswas Mahir, and Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall Joint Conveners Sakhawat Hossain and Raja Aminul Haque Obi, alongside Masterda Surja Sen Hall Joint Convener Ashraful Islam.