Bangladesh’s transition toward a sustainable and secure energy future will require a balanced combination of nuclear and renewable energy, speakers said at a roundtable discussion held in Dhaka on Thursday.
The discussion, titled “Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear Energy and Renewable Energy in Bangladesh,” was organized by WePlanet Bangladesh in collaboration with Dhaka Tribune and Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB).
The event brought together policymakers, energy experts, researchers, development professionals, journalists, university students, private sector representatives and civil society members to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving energy landscape and the role of low-carbon technologies in ensuring energy security, affordability and long-term sustainability.
Moderated by Dhaka Tribune Editor Reaz Ahmad, the discussion focused on the status and outlook of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the role of nuclear energy as stable low-carbon baseload power, expansion of renewable energy including solar, wind and waste-to-energy technologies, financing and regulatory pathways, and the importance of public communication and stakeholder engagement.
Speakers emphasized that Bangladesh is at a critical stage in its energy transition, where rising electricity demand, climate commitments and dependence on imported fossil fuels require science-based policymaking and long-term strategic planning.
Delivering the keynote presentation, WePlanet International, Head of Asia Regional, Md Arif Hossain said Bangladesh needs a diversified energy strategy where renewable and nuclear energy work together as complementary low-carbon solutions.
He said nuclear energy should not be viewed in opposition to renewable energy, but rather as a stable source of uninterrupted electricity capable of supporting national climate goals and industrial growth.
Speaking as Chief Guest, Additional Secretary (Company Affairs) at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, MD Rafiqul Alam said the government is working toward a diversified power generation mix that gradually increases the share of clean and low-carbon energy sources while strengthening national energy security.
On the other hand speaking as special Guest former secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Anwar Faruque said energy security is closely connected to agricultural productivity, food security and rural economic stability, particularly through reliable electricity supply for irrigation and food processing.
Among speakers, Assistant Resident Representative at UNDP, Asaduzzaman Sarder said Bangladesh’s energy transition should align with broader climate adaptation and sustainable development goals, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, technology transfer and climate financing.
Former director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and executive member of WePlanet Bangladesh, Dr Jiban Krishna Biswas said science-driven policy decisions are essential to address climate, food and energy security challenges simultaneously.
Eventually, Professor of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Dhaka, Dr Md Shafiqul Islam discussed the long-term importance of nuclear technology in ensuring stable power generation and strengthening Bangladesh’s technical capacity in the energy sector.
Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB), sub-divisional engineer Joyanto Kumar Bashu from highlighted the operational and grid integration challenges linked to increasing renewable energy capacity and said stable nuclear baseload power could help maintain grid reliability.
Change Initiative Research Associate Tonmay Saha highlighted the environmental and economic potential of rooftop solar and decentralized renewable energy systems, stressing the need for policy incentives and improved grid management.
Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Foquruddin Al Kabir emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking and financially sustainable energy investments to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Asif Shahriar, SAVP of Renewable Energy at Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), discussed the financing potential of renewable energy projects and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative investment models.
Dhaka Tribune Editor Reaz Ahmad said responsible journalism and informed public discourse are essential for improving public understanding of nuclear and renewable energy technologies and countering misinformation surrounding energy transition debates.
Journalists attending the event stressed the importance of fact-based reporting and accessible scientific communication in shaping informed public opinion, while university students highlighted concerns regarding climate change, energy affordability, employment opportunities in the clean energy sector and greater youth participation in energy policymaking.
Participants observed that Bangladesh’s continued dependence on natural gas and imported fossil fuels exposes the country to price volatility and supply uncertainties amid rapidly growing electricity demand.
Among others, Rokon Ahmed, Farzana Akter, Sarder Asaduzzaman, Bristy Rani Das, Md Mehedi Hasan, Iftekar Mohamud, Md Tanvir Hasan, Saraf Sayara Rodela, Md Zakir Hasan, Shaikh Shahrukh, Md Rahat Khan, Md Anis, Oshan Das, Md Atiqul Rahman, Shohidul Islam and Abdul Mannan were present at the roundtable discussion.
The event concluded with a call for stronger policy coordination, improved regulatory frameworks, greater stakeholder engagement and expanded clean energy investment to support Bangladesh’s transition toward a resilient and low-carbon energy future.
