30/07/2026
**Advancing Agrivoltaics for a Sustainable Bangladesh**
The **National Agrivoltaics Workshop: Exploring Local Action Models for Inclusive Growth in Bangladesh** was held at Westin Dhaka Hotel on 30 July 2026, highlighting the potential of combining agricultural production with solar energy generation.
The workshop was organized by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), with support from HSBC Bangladesh and in collaboration with the Department of Environment, TERRA Co., Ltd. of Japan, and the Bright Green Energy Foundation. The initiative was also supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, JICA, and Japan Bangladesh Chamber of commerce and Industry (JBCCI).
The Manikganj pilot project demonstrated how elevated solar panels can generate renewable energy while allowing crops to be cultivated on the same land. The electricity produced is also being used for irrigation, offering an integrated approach to food security, clean energy, and climate resilience.
The workshop was attended by H.E. Mr. Abdul Awal Mintu, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, chaired the event. Distinguished remarks were delivered by Mr. Naoki Takahashi, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh; Ms. Junko Takahashi, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office; Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES); and Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh.
In his inaugural address, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo reaffirmed the Government's commitment to integrated climate and development solutions, stating:
"Our vision is to build a Bangladesh where climate action, food security, and economic development complement one another. Agrivoltaics embodies this vision by enabling us to generate clean energy, strengthen farmers' resilience, protect valuable agricultural land, and accelerate our transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future through strong partnerships and innovation."
As Guest of Honour, Mr. Naoki Takahashi reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in sustainable energy and supporting Bangladesh's transition towards a low- carbon future.
Ms. Junko Takahashi highlighted agrivoltaics as an innovative solution and noted that enhanced Japan–Bangladesh cooperation can accelerate its adoption to promote food security, clean energy, sustainable rural livelihoods, and poverty alleviation.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President of JBCCI, emphasized that Bangladesh has strong potential to become a regional leader in agrivoltaics through enhanced Japan–Bangladesh cooperation, predictable policies, innovative business models, private investment, and active farmer participation.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated:
"We should unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics as a solution for both food security and clean energy generation. However, its success depends on placing farming communities at the heart of this transition and ensuring they are active partners in its development at the local level."
JBCCI remains committed to connecting investors, businesses, researchers, policymakers, and farming communities to advance sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, rural employment, and inclusive economic growth.