Dhaka, 6 October 2026: The ‘Bangladesh Coastal Traverse’, which began on 14 September 2026 from the confluence of five rivers in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, carrying the message of the ‘Renewables Now’ campaign, concluded on 6 October with the arrival at Lamburi Beach in Teknaf, followed by a closing event.
Tony began the journey on 14 September from the confluence of five rivers in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, and covered a total of 783 kilometres along Bangladesh’s coastal belt. The journey was organised as part of the ‘Renewables Now’ campaign, a joint initiative led by DHORA and Waterkeepers Bangladesh with 37 civic and social organisations.
At the campaign’s launch in Dhaka on 12 September, Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), handed the campaign banner to Tony.
From Shyamnagar, the journey passed through a number of coastal communities across Koyra, Mongla, Sharankhola, Patharghata, Taltali, Kuakata, Rangabali, Char Fasson, Noakhali, Chattogram, Banshkhali, Pekua, Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf. Throughout the journey, issues affecting coastal communities—including climate vulnerability, livelihoods, access to safe drinking water, environmental change and energy security—were brought into focus.
The initiative also received support from local communities, students, environmental activists and civic organisations along the route. Human chains, cycle rallies, kite festivals and solidarity walks were organised in several areas, including Mongla, Chila, Taltali, Kalapara, Sitakunda, Anwara, Banshkhali, Pekua, Maheshkhali and Cox’s Bazar. Local residents and students also joined Tony at different stages of the journey.
The journey provided opportunities to engage with communities living near the Sundarbans and around the Rampal and Payra coal-fired power plants, with discussions focusing on the impacts of energy systems on rivers, forests, biodiversity, livelihoods and local environments.
According to Tony, the journey sought to highlight the need to address the impacts of climate change, protect the environment, accelerate the transition to renewable energy and ensure access to safe drinking water for all. Raising awareness of the climate risks and energy challenges faced by coastal communities was also a key objective of the initiative.
The Bangladesh Coastal Traverse was Tony’s ninth solo expedition. Covering 783 kilometres across the coastal belt, the journey helped bring the ‘Renewables Now’ message to communities across the region while strengthening local participation and solidarity around climate action, environmental protection and a sustainable energy future.
Joint Organisers: Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Bengal Peace Foundation
In Collaboration with total 35 civil and social organisations:
Waterkepers Bangladesh (WKB), Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Youth Action for Social Development (YASD), Apos Youth Organisation, Brighters, Youth Environment and Development Organisation (YEDO), OAB Foundation, River Bangla, Taranga Foundation, Climate Frontier (CF), Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF), Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF), Riverine People, Environmental Research and Development Alternatives (ERDA), Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, Sachetan Nagorik Samaj Organisation, Coast Foundation, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Center for Renewable Energy Services Limited (CRESL), Earths Ants, Kasmas Organization, BARCIK, Haor Region Dwellers, Shopner Shiri Social Welfare Organisation, Mission Green Bangladesh (MGB), Equity BD, Sachetan Foundation, Sampriti O Souhardya, Gorjon Social Welfare Organisation, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), River Social Development Bangladesh, Greenway Renewable Energy Implementation Organisation, UNIVO, YouCan, and Greenpeace Youth Development Society.
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