Calls for Rapid Renewable Energy Expansion in Mongla, Cancellation of Projects Threatening the Sundarbans
Mongla, 23 October 2026: Calls for the rapid expansion of renewable energy to ensure energy security and the cancellation of fossil fuel-based projects threatening the Sundarbans were raised at a public rally held on Friday afternoon at Narikeltala Temple Ground in Mongla, Bagerhat.
The rally was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Pashur River Waterkeeper, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Speaking as the chief guest, Nazrul Islam Manju, Administrator of Khulna City Corporation, welcomed the initiative to establish a 442 MW solar power plant in Rampal, describing it as a positive step towards renewable energy expansion. He emphasized that increasing solar power generation would reduce dependence on imported energy, save foreign currency, ease financial pressure on the power sector, and strengthen long-term energy security.
Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of DHORA, chaired the rally. He stressed the importance of engaging communities and stakeholders in expanding renewable energy wherever feasible to safeguard the country’s energy security. While welcoming the government’s approval of the solar power project in Rampal, he expressed concern over its broader approach to protecting the Sundarbans. He also called for the cancellation of the Rampal coal-fired power plant and the proposed LNG terminal and pipeline projects at Akram Point.
Among the special guests, Abdul Mannan Hawlader, President of Mongla Upazila BNP, emphasized reducing dependence on coal to protect the biodiversity of the Sundarbans. Badrul Alam, President of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation, expressed concern over the slow pace of renewable energy expansion. Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, highlighted the importance of clean energy in protecting coastal biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
Environmental activists, labour representatives, youth leaders, and representatives of various civil society organizations also addressed the rally. They called for increased investment in solar and wind energy, effective policy measures, and meaningful participation of local communities in the energy transition process.
The “Renewables Now” (‘নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি, এখনই’) campaign, jointly spearheaded by DHORA and Waterkeepers Bangladesh in collaboration with 37 like-minded organizations, advocates for the rapid expansion of renewable energy across Bangladesh, greater energy self-reliance, and a just transition towards an environmentally sustainable energy system.
The campaign carries the central message: “Harnessing Natural Resources for Energy, Advancing Bangladesh Towards Self-Reliance.”
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