Bangladeshi youth climate activists have taken to the streets once again, demanding an urgent revision of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) and a heightened focus on climate priorities as COP29 nears.
Organized by YouthNet for Climate Justice, the climate strike on Friday, was held outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, highlighting the pressing need to halt fossil-fuel financing, accelerate investment in renewable energy, and secure enhanced climate finance from global community, says a press release.
Activists criticized the current IEPMP for its focus on unproven and costly technologies, arguing that such an approach could harm the economy and stifle the growth of renewable energy.
They emphasized that the plan does not align with broader climate goals and national climate strategies. Slogans and placards at the rally underscored the urgency of realigning energy policies to tackle the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of Youth Net for Climate Justice, emphasized the critical nature of their demands: "We are at a pivotal moment. It's time to overhaul our energy policies and fully commit to a just transition to renewable energy.
Bangladesh's youth demand immediate action to ensure a climate-resilient future. Our leaders must act decisively before it's too late," the press release said.
Aruba Faruque, a prominent youth climate activist, added: "Our push for a revised energy master plan is about safeguarding our future. We need a definitive shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and increased climate finance to support this transition .. ."
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), supported the youth's demands: "Bangladesh's new political leadership aspires to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"To meet this target, we need to overhaul the IEPMP, which currently reinforces carbon lock-in and delays the renewable energy transition. Immediate revision is crucial for aligning with national climate goals and achieving a sustainable future."
The climate strike also urged developed countries to fulfill their climate finance promises and avoid burdening the Global South with debt-based financing.
Activists called on these nations to invest in renewable energy and halt support for fossil fuels to limit global temperature increases in line with the Paris Agreement.
M. Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative also addressed the meeting. Speakers said we must focus on direct, grant-based climate finance to support solar, wind, and other renewables, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.
