Bangladeshi youth climate activists took to the streets on Friday, demanding an urgent revision of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) as the countdown to COP29 begins.
The climate strike, organized by YouthNet for Climate Justice, took place outside the National Press Club and underscored the urgent need to halt fossil-fuel financing, accelerate investments in renewable energy, and secure enhanced climate finance from the global community.
The activists criticized the current IEPMP for prioritizing unproven and costly technologies, warning that such an approach could jeopardize the economy and impede the growth of renewable energy.
They argued that the plan does not align with broader climate goals or national strategies, emphasizing the need for a realignment of energy policies to effectively address the climate crisis and facilitate a transition to clean energy.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, highlighted the critical nature of their demands: “We are at a pivotal moment. It’s time to overhaul our energy policies and fully commit to a just transition to renewable energy. Bangladesh’s youth demand immediate action to ensure a climate-resilient future. Our leaders must act decisively before it’s too late.”
Prominent youth climate activist Aruba Faruque echoed these sentiments, saying: “Our push for a revised energy master plan is about safeguarding our future. We need a definitive shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and increased climate finance to support this transition. The youth of Bangladesh are calling for urgent action from both our leaders and the global community to align with our climate goals.”
Support for the activists’ demands came from Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), who said: “Bangladesh’s new political leadership aspires to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this target, we need to overhaul the IEPMP, which currently reinforces carbon lock-in and delays the renewable energy transition. Immediate revision is crucial for aligning with national climate goals and achieving a sustainable future.”
The climate strike also called on developed countries to fulfill their climate finance promises and avoid placing debt burdens on the Global South. Activists urged these nations to invest in renewable energy and cease support for fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of limiting global temperature increases in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
M Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative, addressed the importance of effective climate finance: “Climate finance should not only address immediate vulnerabilities but also catalyze long-term resilience and nature conservation. In Bangladesh, investing in renewable energy is crucial for building cost-effective resilience. We must focus on direct, grant-based climate finance to support solar, wind, and other renewables, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.”
As the rally concluded, it became clear that this moment signifies a turning point for the nation. The youth of Bangladesh are sending a powerful message to their leaders—they are watching, and they will not rest until the country’s energy policies reflect the urgent need for a climate-resilient, sustainable future.
