Youth Yell for a Greener Grid: Climate Strike in Dhaka Demands Fossil-Free Future
Joining the global climate strike movement, young climate activists in Dhaka staged a demonstration on Friday demanding the immediate revision of the Integrated Electricity and Power Master Plan (IEPMP), citing its alignment with costly and polluting fossil fuel dependency.
Gathering in front of the National Press Club, the demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the current national energy strategy, expressing deep concern that it contradicts climate goals and could intensify the country's environmental crisis.
Over 200 youth climate activists participated in the rally, holding vibrant banners, posters, and chanting slogans highlighting the detrimental impact of fossil fuels. The protest resonated with the slogan, “No False Solutions, We Want Renewable Energy.”
The demonstrators stressed the urgency of prioritizing renewable sources in energy policy to ensure a sustainable and livable future for the next generation. They urged developed nations and multinational corporations to halt investments in fossil-fuel-based electricity to reduce global carbon emissions. They also called on international financial institutions to cease funding fossil fuels, with Bangladesh’s government playing a pivotal role in steering this transition.
Describing the current administration as positive toward climate and environmental issues, the young protestors emphasized the need for the newly formed government to facilitate investment in renewable energy. They also urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments made at various global climate summits by providing support to vulnerable countries like Bangladesh and demanded the unconditional cancellation of climate-related debts for such nations.
According to organizers, simultaneous programs were held in 50 districts across the country on the same day, involving students from schools, colleges, and universities.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “We must design our energy plans considering the climate crisis. Instead of protecting vested interests in the IEPMP, we need a just, transparent, and locally relevant plan. Now is the time to empower people, prioritize renewable energy, and end the era of flawed solutions.”
Showing solidarity with the youth, Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), stated, “The IEPMP is part of the former government’s flawed planning, ignoring the financial crisis in the power and energy sector. The projected electricity demand in this plan is overly ambitious, which has been exploited by fossil fuel-dependent interest groups.”
Professor Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), added, “The IEPMP lacks specific emission control guidelines. Decisions must be based on carbon emissions from individual power plants. It’s also critical to revise the IEPMP in alignment with the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.”
At the end of the program, the youth urged the government to adopt and implement a climate-friendly, renewable-energy-focused national master plan with actionable steps to ensure a cleaner and greener future for Bangladesh.
