At a World Environment Day rally in Mongla, speakers called for accelerated renewable energy adoption, warning that fossil fuel dependence threatens Bangladesh’s climate resilience, biodiversity, energy security and sustainability.
Renewable energy is not only a source of power but also a foundation for social transformation, economic inclusion and a climate-resilient future, speakers said at a human chain and rally in Mongla on Friday marking World Environment Day.
They said Bangladesh is facing recurring energy crises due to sudden increases in fuel prices and disruptions in supply chains, blaming the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels for the situation. The speakers urged the government to provide tax rebates and incentives in the national budget for green and renewable energy sources and related equipment.
The programme was held at Maidara in Mongla under the theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future.” It was organised by Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Sundarban Rokkhay Amra and Pashur River Waterkeeper to demand a rapid and just transition to renewable energy as a response to Bangladesh’s growing climate crisis and continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The human chain and rally began at 9:00 am and was chaired by Pashur River Waterkeeper and Sundarban Rokkhay Amra Coordinator Md Nur Alam Sheikh.
Among those who addressed the gathering were DHORA leader Advocate Sarbabhoum Roy, Mongla Upazila Fishermen’s Association General Secretary Abdur Rashid Hawlader, Waterkeepers Bangladesh representative Kamola Sarkar and Pashur River Waterkeeper volunteers Nazmul Haque, Rakesh Sana, Asima Mondal and Mehedi Hasan.
In his presidential speech, Nur Alam Sheikh said the Rampal Power Plant was damaging aquatic life in the Pashur River and harming the ecosystem of the Sundarbans. He said there was no alternative to sustainable and renewable energy in reducing the pace of climate change and ensuring a green and habitable planet for future generations.
Abdur Rashid Hawlader said fish populations in the Pashur River and the Sundarbans were declining due to increasing pollution. He stressed the need to prevent river pollution to protect the biodiversity of the Sundarbans.
Kamola Sarkar said the expansion of rooftop solar power and wider use of renewable energy in the industrial sector were essential for a fair and sustainable energy transition. She also called on the government to announce a clear roadmap for achieving the target of generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030, a goal announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The organisers said accelerating renewable energy adoption was crucial for tackling climate change, reducing fossil fuel dependence and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.
