Bicycle rally held from Paikgachha to Tala

PAIKGACHHA, KHULNA, Sept 18: Forty-two civic and social organisations on Friday called for a clear renewable-energy action plan for Bangladesh’s coastal region, citing the need to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imports and build a cleaner, more equitable energy system.

The call came at rallies in Paikgachha Upazila of Khulna District and Tala Upazila of Satkhira District as part of a month-long campaign titled “Renewable Energy, Now.” Organisers included environmental and climate groups Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh and the Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement.

A bicycling rally began at Haridhali Secondary School and passed through Kopilmoni and Kashimnagar in Paikgachha and areas of Tala before ending at Anirban Library in Mahmud Kati. Participants promoted renewable energy, climate-risk reduction and environmental protection.

Speakers said Bangladesh’s main obstacle to renewable energy was not technology but resistance to change, and urged the government to develop a clear roadmap and take rapid, practical steps to expand solar power. They said coastal areas offer significant potential for large-scale solar generation, including through the use of existing land.

The groups also called for improved-quality solar panels and batteries, noting that air pollution and dust can reduce panel efficiency. They said expanding renewable energy is increasingly a matter of energy security and economic self-reliance, as well as environmental protection.

The month-long campaign aims to boost public awareness and participation toward Bangladesh’s 2030 renewable-energy targets. Events will include rallies, coastal marches, cultural programmes, seminars and a national dialogue. The campaign’s formal coastal march also began as part of Friday’s activities.