An interactive session titled “Fuel Expansion: Conflicts with Bangladesh’s Economy, Environment, and Just Transition” was organized at the Liberation War Museum Auditorium, Dhaka, on 23 August 2025, at 3:00 PM. This event was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Brighters, Climate Frontier, Global Law Thinkers Society, Mission Green Bangladesh, OAB Foundation, Shocheton Foundation, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Youth Environment Development Organization and Young Climate Action Network. We know that Bangladesh is now standing at an important juncture in its energy expansion strategy. The government has given top priority to large-scale energy projects, especially coal, LNG, and imported, fossil fuel-based power generation and renewable energy initiatives, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and economic growth. Power generation is essential for development, but there is a growing tension between immediate economic goals and long-term environmental and social sustainability. A rapid, inclusive, and environmentally conscious energy transition is now urgently needed to reconcile development with environmental justice and the conflict between the economy and the environment. Renewable energy, decentralization, and active participation of the people must be at the center of this transformation. This event was organized to engage youth for rapid energy transition, empower their voices by educating them on the subject, encourage their active participation, and provide them with opportunities to step forward as pioneers of change, both present and future. It was attended by young climate leaders and activists, students and researchers, energy experts, civil society organizations, and policymakers.

The keynote speakers at the event were Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Harjit Singh, Strategic Advisor of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA).

Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem said in his speech that we need to have an understanding of these two issues: energy resources and energy supplies. When thinking about energy, the supply chain must be taken into consideration. Under the supply chain, we need to know about fuel collection, processing, transportation, fuel use, conversion, etc. Different types of fuel have different forms. It is necessary to understand which form of energy exists. To transform energy resources into energy demand, physical infrastructure, human resources, technical technology and policies are required. Otherwise, it is not possible to meet energy demand. Fuel cannot be used directly like other resources. Not all fuels can be used equally in all areas. Due to the presence of gas, our country is dependent on gas fuel. There are only a few countries that sell fuel worldwide, so the price is not determined accurately. We are dependent on other countries for energy. Our gas reserves are decreasing day by day. We want to meet the demand with imported gas. For this, the government has to give subsidies. For this, we have to make proper plans.

Mr. Sharif Jamil said that energy expansion in Bangladesh started in 2000 with the creation of special economic zones for economic growth. Thinking about electricity, a Power System Master Plan was prepared at that time. A legal framework was created for this. That's why we have to adopt many strategies to protest against it. Then in 2010, another energy plan was made where the amount of coal consumption is more than 50 percent of the total energy. If this is implemented, it will lead to a serious humanitarian disaster. Ash spread through chimneys within 25 kilometers of coal-fired power projects. Which results in massive damage to nature and environment. He mentioned Rampal Hub, Payra Hub, Matarbari-Maheshkhali Hub etc. and said that all of our natural heritage sites are located within 25 kilometers. Therefore, massive natural disasters are occurring in these places. In these regions, the ash layer from power plants is falling, destroying crops, trees, and river water. The current government is not taking adequate action in this regard.

Harjit Singh said the United States is the world's largest polluter. The question now is who control over the technological resources will have needed to expand renewable energy. China is one of the countries that has the strategic technological resources for renewable energy needed to reduce carbon emissions. Without China and the United States' support, progress on this issue will be very difficult. The gap between North and South relations is widening, resulting in rising energy costs in poor countries that people cannot afford. Bangladesh is a naturally vulnerable country due to global warming. Therefore, Bangladesh needs to speak out more on this issue on a global scale. The public also needs to be more aware.

A question-and-answer session was held after each discussion. The last part of the program was a quiz competition, in which 385 registered youth participated. Certificates were distributed among the winners of the competition. At the end of the program, Habibur Rahman of Shocheton Foundation thanked everyone present.