State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit has expressed hope that Bangladesh will be able to generate 3,000-4,000 megawatts of solar power before next summer amid growing public interest in renewable energy.

He said the government was providing policy support for solar power, encouraging small-scale entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities.

The state minister made the remarks while inaugurating a six-kilowatt solar power system at the Jashore District BNP office today, making it the first political office in the country to install such a system, according to him.

He said the installation was funded entirely by the district BNP office, with arrangements to supply surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting its own needs. 

He expected the investment to be recovered within three to three and a half years.

Amit expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other political parties to install solar panels at their offices.

He also said irrigation pumps would gradually be converted to solar power, reducing dependence on diesel and electricity while lowering farmers' production costs.

The minister later inspected preparations for the immersion of Durga idols at Lal Dighi Pond in Jashore town as part of Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.

Jashore District BNP President Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, General Secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon and other local BNP leaders and representatives of its affiliated organisations were present, among others, at the event.