Youth climate activists held a global climate strike in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, welcoming the government’s plan to generate 10,000MW of solar power by 2030 while calling for a time-bound roadmap and a higher share of renewable energy in the Energy Sector Master Plan (EPSMP).
Organized by YouthNet Global and Youth for NDCs, the program drew more than 200 participants carrying banners, placards and slogans highlighting the economic and environmental costs of importing oil, gas and coal.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet Global, said Bangladesh cannot achieve climate justice while remaining dependent on fossil fuels.
“Every new LNG import deal increases pressure on ordinary people and deepens our vulnerability to global instability,” he said, adding that young people are demanding a just transition to renewable energy that is affordable, locally generated and sustainable.
He called for a clear roadmap for at least 10,000MW of solar power by 2030 and a significantly higher share of renewables in the national energy mix in the upcoming EPSMP.
The activists said continued reliance on fossil fuels is undermining economic stability, energy security and climate resilience. They also noted that the government’s earlier target of generating 3,300MW of rooftop solar power from public buildings by December 2025 has yet to be achieved.
Amanullah Porag, founder and executive director of Youth4NDC, said: “We cannot keep paying the price of global instability, unnecessary wars and geopolitical disorder. Our economy is struggling with the rising cost of fuel and electricity. We need affordable energy and an immediate shift towards renewable energy.”
They also warned that high taxes on solar equipment, investment bottlenecks and policy uncertainty are slowing the transition. While welcoming the government’s plan to expand the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the energy sector, they said policy announcements must be matched with action, including removal of tax barriers, faster project approvals and stronger inter-agency coordination.
Referring to Bangladesh’s international commitments, the activists said reducing carbon emissions is not optional as a signatory to global climate agreements and urged faster renewable energy adoption.
Shafiqul Alam, lead energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), said renewable energy is essential for a livable planet and stressed the need for a clear implementation and monitoring mechanism.
Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil said transitioning away from fossil fuels is necessary in the face of the climate crisis and global instability.
“With ongoing global unrest and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring energy security through renewables has become an issue of independence. We must expand solar and wind rapidly,” he said, adding that unused land in areas acquired for coal and gas-based power plants could be repurposed for solar projects.
Organisers said similar climate strike programmes were held simultaneously in 50 districts across the country, with participation from school, college and university students.
