As the countdown to COP29 begins, Bangladeshi youth climate activists are demanding immediate changes to the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP). On Friday, a climate strike organized by YouthNet for Climate Justice took place outside the National Press Club, emphasizing the need to halt fossil-fuel financing, accelerate renewable energy investments, and secure enhanced climate finance from the global community.
The activists criticized the IEPMP for prioritizing untested and expensive technologies, warning that such an approach could harm the economy and hinder the growth of renewable energy sources. They argued that the current plan fails to align with broader climate objectives or national strategies, highlighting the necessity for a realignment of energy policies to effectively tackle the climate crisis.
Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, stressed the urgency of their demands: “We are at a critical juncture. It’s time to revamp our energy policies and fully commit to a just transition to renewable energy. The youth of Bangladesh demand immediate action to ensure a climate-resilient future. Our leaders must act decisively before it’s too late.”
Fellow activist Aruba Faruque echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our push for a revised energy master plan is about safeguarding our future. We need a clear shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and increased climate finance to support this transition. The youth of Bangladesh are calling for urgent action from both our leaders and the global community to align with our climate goals.”
Support for the activists came from Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), who noted, “Bangladesh’s new political leadership aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve this target, we need to overhaul the IEPMP, which currently reinforces carbon lock-in and delays the transition to renewable energy. Immediate revisions are crucial for aligning with national climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future.”
The climate strike also urged developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments without burdening the Global South with debt. Activists called for these nations to invest in renewable energy and cease support for fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of limiting global temperature rises in line with the Paris Agreement.
M Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative, highlighted the significance of effective climate finance: “Climate finance should not only address immediate vulnerabilities but also foster long-term resilience and nature conservation. In Bangladesh, investing in renewable energy is vital for building cost-effective resilience. We must focus on direct, grant-based climate finance to support solar, wind, and other renewables, ensuring accessibility and sustainability.”
As the rally concluded, it was evident that this moment marks a turning point for the nation. The youth of Bangladesh are sending a powerful message to their leaders—they are watching and will not rest until the country’s energy policies reflect the urgent need for a climate-resilient, sustainable future.
