Mymensingh Correspondent: Environmental activists, renewable energy entrepreneurs, students and members of civil society formed a human chain in Mymensingh on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of taxes and duties imposed on solar panels and renewable energy-related equipment.

The programme was organised at the July Square near the town hall by Onnochitro Foundation, CLEAN and BWGED.

Speakers at the gathering said the country’s energy crisis is becoming increasingly severe due to dependence on imported gas, coal and oil for electricity generation, which has significantly raised costs and government subsidies in the power sector.

They warned that proposed increases in electricity tariffs would place an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens. In this context, rooftop solar systems and other renewable energy solutions could provide a sustainable and long-term alternative, they said.

However, the participants noted that high import duties and taxes on solar panels, inverters, batteries and other related equipment have pushed up prices, limiting access to solar technology for the general public.

The executive director of Onnochitro Foundation said expanding renewable energy use would require making solar technology affordable for ordinary consumers.

“The current tax structure is hindering the growth of the renewable energy sector,” he said.

Selima Begum, president of the Forum on Ecology and Development, said Bangladesh, being highly vulnerable to climate change, cannot rely on fossil fuel-based development in the long run.

She urged the government to increase investment and policy support for the renewable energy sector.

Mustafa Md Khairul Alam Tuhin, general secretary of the Forum on Ecology and Development, said small entrepreneurs and middle-income families are suffering the most due to high taxes on solar equipment.

“This is slowing down the expansion of clean energy across the country,” he added.

Development activist Imon Sarkar called on the government to introduce tax exemptions, easy loans and special incentives for renewable energy in the upcoming national budget.

A large number of environmental campaigners, renewable energy entrepreneurs, students and local residents took part in the human chain and protest gathering.