Let There Be Light

Social entrepreneur Sajid Iqbal’s mission to conserve energy

Sajid Iqbal, a young social entrepreneur, is one of the two Bangladeshis who have been put on the 2018 version of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Asia list for their contributions towards solving problems through their business initiatives. The annual list by Forbes features 30 youngsters from Asia who are leveraging business tools to solve the world’s problems. Sajid Iqbal is the founder of CHANGE, a youth-led development agency working in the field of green innovations, research on renewable energy, water security and sustainable business development.

Sajid completed his BSc and MSc in Environmental Science and Management from North South University (NSU). In 2017, he received the Queen’s Young Leaders award.

Through CHANGE, Sajid has introduced the idea of using low-cost natural lighting in slums and factories. In disadvantaged communities, he has introduced solar bottle light (Botol Bati) to 4,000 residents ensuring natural lighting and reduced dependency on electric bulbs. He has also developed solar pipe light (Surjo Bati), which allow factories to use natural light from outside, rather than electrical bulbs. Sajid Iqbal has also worked with organizations to develop solar lanterns, street lights and micro irrigation pumps. CHANGE is a global partner of Liter of Light which is working in more than 37 countries promoting low cost affordable lighting solutions.

In a recent exclusive interview with the United News of Bangladesh (UNB), Sajid Iqbal shared some of his thoughts and current works. He made a fervent call to today’s youth not to look for jobs rather, employ respective innovative ideas to do some good for the society and at the same time generate jobs for others and contribute to national economy.