Renewable energy fest seeks investment, policy action

The three-day Renewable Energy Fest 2026 began at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) on Monday, bringing together policymakers, researchers, investors, businesses and civil society representatives to develop an action-oriented agenda for a sustainable and just energy transition.

Held for the second time at the BUET Central Playground, the festival aims to connect policy, markets and communities and develop practical pathways for renewable energy through investment, innovation and partnerships, reports BSS, citing a press release. 

Organised jointly by ActionAid Bangladesh, BUET, Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) and BUET's Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), the festival is themed “A Just, Inclusive and Green Energy Transition”. Participants include youth groups, women's organisations, labour communities, civil society representatives and climate action networks.

A rally involving more than 200 participants marched from Shaheed Minar to the BUET Central Playground to raise awareness about renewable energy and a just transition. A flash mob featuring 30 artists, organised by Surjodoy Youth Society, followed.

At a press conference, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said climate change required a shift away from fossil fuels towards innovation and renewable energy.

“Bangladesh now stands at a critical juncture where it is essential to think, discuss, plan, and take concrete action, with appropriate budgetary commitments, on inclusive renewable energy and just transition, with farmers, women, and marginalised communities at the centre,” she said.

Professor Dr M A A Shoukat Choudhury, director of BUET's Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, said energy was vital to everyday life and civilisational development.

“While we remain dependent on fossil fuels, we must build our capacity in renewable energy to ensure our energy security for the future,” he said.