|| Rayhan Ahmed, Mymensingh Bureau: A discussion meeting was held with local government representatives and stakeholders at various levels in Kendua, Netrokona, on the potential of rooftop solar power to address the impacts of climate change, increase the use of renewable energy, and meet future electricity needs.The meeting titled ' Orientation of LGI, Leaders and Stakeholders on the Climate-Energy Nexus, focusing on Rooftop Solar ' was held on 24 August 2026 at the Kendua Upazila Parishad Conference Room. The meeting was organized by Anyachitra Foundation, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) .The meeting was presided over by Kendua Upazila Parishad Administrator and Upazila Executive Officer Sanjida Chowdhury .The meeting discussed the current status, potential, success of rooftop solar power and what can be done at the local level to address future electricity problems. At this time, a policy paper on 'Opportunities and Potential of Rooftop Solar Power' was presented and shared among the participants. The policy paper highlights various aspects of employment creation, energy security, economic prosperity and environmental protection through rooftop solar power.At the meeting, Upazila Executive Officer Sanjida Chowdhury said that it is necessary to increase the use of renewable energy to address the challenges of climate change and build sustainable energy management. She said that to utilize the potential of rooftop solar power at the local level, a coordinated initiative is needed between government institutions, public representatives and the public. Such initiatives can play an important role in future energy security as well as saving electricity.At the meeting, Rebecca Sultana, Executive Director of Anyachitra Foundation, said that the unused roofs of a large number of houses, government buildings, educational institutions and businesses in the country are potential areas for solar power generation. Local government institutions can play an important role in creating awareness among the people and taking effective initiatives in this regard.He further said that rooftop solar power is not just an alternative system for power generation, but also an effective means of climate-resilient development, job creation and environmental protection. The expansion of this sector requires easy financing, technical assistance and policy support.The policy paper states that increasing the use of renewable energy is essential to reduce import dependence in the power and energy sectors in Bangladesh. Rooftop solar power can reduce pressure on the national grid and create opportunities for local power generation. At the same time, there is a possibility of creating new employment opportunities through solar power installation, maintenance and related technical services.Also present at the meeting were Kendua Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Azizur Rahman , Upazila Youth Development Officer Md. Nuruzzaman , Upazila Women's Affairs Officer Rahima Akhter , and Forum on Ecology and Development Netrokona member Md. Nazim Uddin .In addition, Union Parishad chairmen, as representatives of various levels of local government, also participated in the meeting. They emphasized on increasing public awareness at the local level, identifying potential installations, and strengthening public-private coordination for the expansion of rooftop solar power.The program was hosted by Nusrat Neha, an intern at Anyachitra Foundation's COPE project.Participants in the discussion said that there is no alternative to renewable energy to meet the future demand for electricity and the risks of climate change. By expanding rooftop solar power, it is possible to increase the use of clean energy on the one hand, and on the other hand, economic and social opportunities can be created at the local level.The meeting sought the views of stakeholders on the possibilities, obstacles, and steps needed for implementation at the local level for installing rooftop solar power.