Ensure affordable, inclusive green energy: speakers

Bangladesh must reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate its transition to renewable energy, ensuring clean energy is affordable and accessible to people across all income groups, speakers said yesterday.

They made the call at a press conference at BUET’s Central Field in the capital, marking the opening of the three-day Renewable Energy Fest 2026, running until October 30.

The festival is jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and its Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD).

Prof MAA Shaukat Chowdhury, director of the IESD, said, “We must build our capacity in renewable energy and address sustainable energy security while causing less harm to the environment.” 

ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said renewable energy must be affordable, equitable, green and inclusive.

“It is important to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy reach all people and that everyone can benefit from it,” she said.

Sanjida Sultana, additional executive director of Karmojibi Nari, said, “Women in the informal labour sector would find their work easier if they had access to affordable renewable energy. The government needs to consider how marginalised women and women living in char areas can be included in renewable energy policies.”

Anwar Hossain, executive director of The Earth Society, said clean energy was an immediate priority rather than a future concern.

Noting the significant use of energy for irrigation nationwide, he suggested exploring greater use of solar power in the sector to reduce energy consumption.

Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Just Energy Transition at ActionAid Bangladesh, also spoke.

More than 200 youth activists and climate group representatives joined a rally titled “Power to People: A Call for a Just Energy Transition” on the opening day.