Energy Expansion: Impact on Economy, Ecology and Just Transition in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been rapidly expanding its energy production capacity in recent years to meet growing residential, commercial, and industrial demand. The government is focusing on import-dependent coal, liquefied natural gas, and fossil fuel-based projects with the aim of developing physical infrastructure and economic growth. Biodiversity is often destroyed due to poorly planned infrastructure in the energy sector. Despite their potential to boost the country’s economic growth and attract foreign investment, energy projects are harming local industries such as farming, fishing, salt production, etc. Government subsidies and excess production capacity in the energy sector are putting the government under financial strain. The dependence on imported energy is creating instability in global market management and endangering long-term energy security. A rapid, inclusive, and environmentally conscious energy transition is 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 heart of this transformation. To strengthen the voice of youth by engaging them for a rapid energy transition and to encourage their active participation, on August 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the auditorium of Premier University at Dampara Wasa More, Chittagong, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), Premier University, ThreeFifty.org and Waterkeepers Bangladesh jointly organized an interactive session titled “Fuel Expansion: Its Impact on Bangladesh’s Economy, Environment and Just Transition”. The event was organized with the support of Climate Action and Youth Empowerment Organization, Cosmic Sports and Health, Green Lead, Global Youth Platform, Mission Green Bangladesh, Nowjuan, Pran Prakriti, Ushar Alo Juva Sangha, Youth Change Society Bangladesh, Youth Innovation for Action, and Youth Voice for Change.
Honorable Vice Chancellor of Premier University, Professor S. M. Nosrul Kadir attended the event as the Chief Guest, while the event was inaugurated by Mr. Mohammad Iftekhar Monir, Registrar of Chittagong Premier University as the Guest of Honor. The keynote speakers were Chief Analyst of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Shafiqul Alam, Central Member Secretary of Dhoritri Rakhhay Amra (DHORA) Sharif Jamil and Strategic Advisor to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Harjit Singh. The event was moderated by Amanullah Parag, South Asia Coordinator of ThreeFifty.org. The event was attended by young climate leaders and activists, students, researchers, experts, and civil society organization staff.
The Guest of Honor, Registrar of Premier University Mr. Mohammad Iftekhar Monir said in his opening speech that Premier University always encourages student awareness and participation in the pursuit of environmental protection and sustainable development. Such events are timely to inform and discuss this interconnection between energy and the environment. A large portion of the Bangladesh government’s huge budget is for development projects, and energy is a significant part of that. But there are many questions about the sustainable management of the energy sector. When we say energy, we usually mean oil-based fuels. Due to greenhouse gases, temperatures are rising, and for this we have to rely on renewable fuels. He hopes that participants in this event will learn how to make renewable energy sustainable.
Shafiqul Alam, Chief Analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said that every investment decision in the energy sector has a profound impact on the country’s economic stability. Unplanned and short-sighted energy expansion plans increase our economic pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize renewable sources in future energy plans. Forty percent of our total energy is dependent on imports. More than 50 percent of our electricity generation capacity is dependent on imports. We are not fully efficient in using energy. We have to import because there is no alternative to our gas resources. Only 2 percent of the total electricity we use is renewable. Three parameters are considered in determining a country’s position in the energy sector: energy security, energy equity, and energy sustainability. Considering these, Bangladesh’s current position is 83rd, which was 77th two years ago. We need to increase our capacity in energy use.
Sharif Jamil, central Member Secretary of Dhoritri Rakhhay Amra (DHORA), said that the previous government planned to generate 6000 megawatts of electricity, but as a result of our movement, it was only able to generate 1320 megawatts. We have tried to find out how much our environment is being damaged by the ash from power plants. We have seen that crops are no longer growing in the fields around the country’s power plants, and that fish are being seriously harmed by chemicals in river water. Development can never be done at the expense of the environment. The government never wants to conduct an environmental survey. Even if the government conducts a survey under pressure from donor agencies, it is not acceptable because the information given is wrong. Young people need to learn about the biodiversity of their country, not just have the desire to work for the environment.
“We are seeing a shortage of resources needed for fuel production due to negative international politics,” said Harjit Singh, strategic advisor to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The United States is the largest fossil fuel producer. Despite much investment over the past decade, the situation with fossil fuel use has not improved. We are dependent on a few countries, such as China, for the mineral resources needed to produce energy. In this regard, tariffs have a negative impact. Therefore, progress in energy production is difficult unless we reduce our dependence on imported mineral resources. We cannot solve this problem on our own. Therefore, we have to talk at the international level. Although the target of 2050 is set for zero carbon emissions, it is very difficult for developing countries to achieve it. Cooperation from all at the international level is needed. There has been no agreement on the risks of fossil fuel production at the international level in the last decade. So far, 17 countries have joined the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. Even if Bangladesh is not among them, its role can be important. Because Bangladesh needs to speak at the international level.
The closing speech of the event was delivered by the Chief Guest of the event, Vice Chancellor of Premier University, Professor S. M. Nosrul Kadir. In his speech, he said that he always wants to support the organization of such events. He thanked the organizers. At the end of the program, Nizamuddin Sharud, Member Secretary of DHORA-Chittagong, thanked everyone present.
A question-and-answer session was held after each discussion. In the final part of the program, 130 registered youth participated in a quiz competition. Prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners of the competition.
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