Will invest massively in solar power sector: Ahsan Khan Chowdhury
Pran-RFL Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest conglomerates, has unveiled ambitious plans to invest heavily in the solar power sector.
The move is aimed at supplying renewable energy to global brands like the renowned Swedish clothing retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB, widely known as H&M, and increasing the use of clean energy across its own operations.
Chairman and CEO of Pran-RFL Group, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, announced this transformative initiative during a technical session titled ‘Unlocking New Potentials in Renewable Energy’, held on the third day of the ongoing Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday (April 9).
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among H&M, Pran-RFL Group, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Under the agreement, Bangladeshi garment suppliers catering to H&M will purchase electricity generated by Pran-RFL Group through its solar power project. The project will be financed by the IFC, an international donor organisation committed to supporting renewable energy initiatives in developing nations.
Speaking at the event, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury emphasised the growing importance of renewable energy for sustainable business practices. “For sustainable business, we must transition toward renewable energy,” he said. “The prices of conventional fuels are rising globally, and PRAN-RFL believes in the efficient and sustainable use of limited resources.”
Ahsan Khan outlined the group’s dual strategy: producing solar power not only for external clients like H&M but also for internal consumption within its organisations.
This shift aligns with the global demand for low-carbon production systems, which has seen major buyers like H&M prioritising renewable energy to minimise environmental impact and ensure a sustainable future.
“This is now a significant sector,” Ahsan Khan Chowdhury explained. “Global buyers are increasingly focusing on sustainable production systems, and we have seized the opportunity to supply them with renewable energy. We urge more large institutions in Bangladesh to invest in this sector and contribute to a greener future.”
The investment in solar energy underscores PRAN-RFL’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with Bangladesh’s broader goals for green development.
Ahsan Khan Chowdhury highlighted that the initiative is part of the group’s vision to build a beautiful and environmentally friendly future while supporting the government in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Currently, the entire world is focusing on renewable energy for a sustainable future, and we have undertaken a comprehensive investment plan in this sector,” he said. “Our investment in solar energy reflects our dedication to sustainability and our desire to stand beside the government in achieving its SDGs.”
Pran-RFL Group’s solar energy initiative will begin at its integrated agricultural farm in Gobindapur of Moulvibazar, where fish farming is already underway. Solar panels will be installed on the farm to generate electricity, with an initial target of producing 100 megawatts of power.
However, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury stressed the need for government policy support to facilitate the purchase, sale, and distribution of electricity. “If the government provides the right support in this sector, we can go a long way,” he remarked. “This will benefit both the environment and sustainable investment in Bangladesh.”
He urged other large institutions in Bangladesh to join the renewable energy revolution emphasising that investing in solar power is not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic move to meet global market demands for sustainable practices.
