Environmental and energy-sector activists in Rajshahi have called for national ownership, public participation and energy sovereignty in formulating Bangladesh’s energy master plan, stressing that the process must remain under the leadership and decision-making authority of national institutions.
The demand was raised on Tuesday at a campaign titled ‘Energy Master Plan: No to Japan, No to Foreigners! The Nation Must Participate in Its Own Plan’.
The organisers said Bangladesh needed an independent, transparent and people-centred energy master plan based on its own needs and capabilities to address dependence on imported fossil fuels, rising energy costs, pressure on foreign exchange reserves and climate change risks.
They called for the public disclosure of the draft plan, energy demand forecasts, financial assessments, and environmental and social impact assessments to ensure transparency in the planning process.
They also stressed the need for public consultations at both national and local levels to ensure meaningful participation by domestic experts, universities, civil society organisations and communities affected by energy projects.
The organisers urged the government to reduce dependence on imported energy and prioritise renewable energy, rooftop solar power, energy efficiency and an environmentally sustainable transition.
They said transparency and accountability in formulating the master plan would help safeguard national interests and strengthen public confidence in energy-sector policies.
Those present at the programme included Paribartan COP Facilitator Hasibul Hasan Pallab, Campaign Associate Rony Roy, agricultural entrepreneur Liaquat Ali, Programme Officer Soma Bhowmik and Paribartan intern Sabitri Hembram. Local residents also attended the event and expressed solidarity with the initiative.
The organisers reiterated that public opinion and participation must be central to decisions shaping Bangladesh’s energy future. They called for an energy master plan that prioritises national interests, transparency and accountability.
The initiative was organised by Paribartan, FED-Rajshahi and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED).
