Dhaka, 18 September 2026: A strong call has emerged to halt new fossil fuel projects and financing and accelerate a rapid, just and people-centred transition to renewable energy, as civil society organisations across Bangladesh marked the Global Week of Action with demonstrations and human chains.
In Dhaka, 42 civil and social organisations, including Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), organised a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Friday morning, calling for climate justice, an end to new fossil fuel projects and financing, and a swift transition towards renewable energy.
Speakers at the Dhaka programme said that increasing dependence on fossil fuels cannot provide a sustainable solution to Bangladesh’s energy and climate challenges. They stressed that energy security requires accelerating the implementation of renewable energy while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Iqbal Faruk, Head of Research at Waterkeepers Bangladesh, called for no new fossil fuel projects and urged the government to establish a clear phase-out timeline for existing coal-fired power plants. He also called for the rapid implementation of the proposed 442 MW solar power project at Rampal.
Badrul Alam, President of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, said that achieving Bangladesh’s target of generating 10,000 MW of renewable electricity by 2030 is essential for strengthening the country’s energy security. Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, Coordinator of the Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement, called for expanding solar power by making greater use of government land and infrastructure and increasing public participation in rooftop solar initiatives.
Speakers emphasised that achieving the 10,000 MW renewable energy target will require more than policy declarations. They called for a year-by-year implementation roadmap, adequate financing, technology transfer and practical action plans. In the context of climate justice, they also called for the Polluters Pay Principle to be applied and for climate and clean-energy finance and technology transfer to be provided through grants rather than additional debt burdens.
Joint Organizations:
Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra( DHORA), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, APOS Youth Organization, Bangladesh Krishok Fedaretion , Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), BARCIK, Bengal Peace Foundation, Brighters , Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Center for Participatory Research and Development- CPRD, Climate Frontires , COAST Foundation, Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF), Environment and Resource Development Association (ERDA), EquityBD, Green Peace Youth Development Society, Greenway Renewable Energy Implementation Organization, Haor Oncholbashi, KASMAS organization, Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society (LEDARS , Mission Green BD, OAB Foundation, Ogro Foundation, Organization for Climate Resilience and Environmental Conservation (OCREC), River Bangla, River Social Development Bangladesh, Riverine People, School of Earth & Environment – SEE, Shopner Siri, Socheton Foundationa, Socheton Nagorik Somaj Songoton, Sompriti O Souhardya, Torongo Foundation, TaruPallab, Univo, Upokul O Sundarban Surokkha Andolon, YOUCAN, Youth Action for Social Development- YASD, Youth Environment and Development Organization (YEDO), YouthNet Global, Bangladesh Cycle Lane Implementation Council, Indigenous peoples development services-ipds
Actions across Bangladesh
The Dhaka human chain was accompanied by similar programmes in different regions of the country, reflecting growing calls for renewable energy, climate justice and an end to new fossil fuel development.
In Kalapara, Patuakhali, a human chain was organised demanding climate justice, a fossil-fuel-free future and a transition towards renewable energy. In Patharghata, Barguna, participants called for immediate renewable energy development, climate justice and a fossil-fuel-free future.
In Chatmohar, Pabna, a human chain was held demanding that no new fossil fuel projects be undertaken. A similar programme took place in Mongla, where participants called for an end to new fossil fuel projects.
In Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, DHORA organised a human chain demanding an end to new fossil fuel projects. In Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, participants raised their voices for renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
A human chain was also held in Barguna Sadar with demands for renewable energy, climate justice and a fossil-fuel-free future. In Taltali, Barguna, participants specifically called for an end to new financing for fossil fuel projects. In Jamalpur, a human chain was organised as part of the Global Week of Action, focusing on climate justice and the need for an energy transition.
Together, these actions connected local concerns—from coastal vulnerability and energy security to development financing—with a broader national demand for a clean and just energy transition.
As Bangladesh approaches the 81st United Nations General Assembly and COP31, the campaign calls for an energy future based on renewable energy, climate justice and public interest. Civil society organisations urged policymakers and financial institutions to stop supporting new fossil fuel projects and instead accelerate investment, technology transfer and implementation of renewable energy solutions.
The message from the nationwide actions was clear: Bangladesh’s energy security and climate resilience require a faster transition away from fossil fuels and towards a renewable, sustainable and just energy future.
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