Dhaka-Mongla Road Rally Promotes Renewable Energy, Puppet Shows Raise Public Awareness
Dhaka, 23 October 2026: A road rally from Dhaka to Mongla was held to promote the rapid expansion of renewable energy, strengthen energy security, and raise public awareness of environmentally sustainable energy solutions. Organised on Friday under the ‘Renewables Now’ campaign, the initiative brought together 37 organisations under the leadership of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Participants included Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Member Secretary of DHORA; Badrul Alam, President of the Bangladesh Krishok Federation; Zakia Shishir, Central Coordinator of Haor Oncholbashi; Mir Mohammad Ali, Assistant Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University; and representatives of various organisations.
As part of the rally, two puppet shows were staged at Bhatiapara and Mongla Bazar. Through traditional folk performances, the campaign communicated the importance of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, expanding renewable energy use, and protecting the environment.
Participants emphasised the need for effective policy measures, adequate financing, accessible investment opportunities, and meaningful participation of local communities in energy planning to accelerate renewable energy development. They also highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, farmers’ rights, and prioritising public interests.
Discussions also addressed the potential impacts of pollution from fossil fuel-based power plants on rivers, fish breeding, and aquatic biodiversity. Participants called for the expansion of solar and wind energy based on environmental impact assessments to protect the ecosystems of the Sundarbans and the Pashur River, alongside the livelihoods of coastal communities.
According to the organisers, expanding domestically available renewable energy sources could reduce dependence on imported fuels, strengthen national energy security, and help address the challenges of climate change. By using traditional cultural forms such as puppet shows, the initiative seeks to engage local communities, make energy and environmental issues more accessible, and build public support for a clean energy transition.
The ‘Renewables Now’ campaign continues to advocate for the rapid expansion of renewable energy across Bangladesh, greater energy self-reliance, and a just and environmentally sustainable energy transition.
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