Youth climate activists demand urgent revision of energy plan, boost in climate finance ahead of COP29
The climate strike, organised by YouthNet for Climate Justice, was held outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday (20 September)
Bangladeshi youth climate activists have taken to the streets once again, demanding an urgent revision of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) and a heightened focus on climate priorities as COP29 approaches.
The climate strike, organised by YouthNet for Climate Justice, was held outside the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday (20 September), highlighting the pressing need to halt fossil-fuel financing, accelerate investment in renewable energy, and secure enhanced climate finance from the global community.
The activists criticized the current IEPMP for its focus on unproven and costly technologies, arguing that such an approach could harm the economy and stifle the growth of renewable energy.
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They emphasized that the plan does not align with broader climate goals and national climate strategies. Slogans and placards at the rally underscored the urgency of realigning energy policies to tackle the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice, emphasized the critical nature of their demands: "We are at a pivotal moment. It's time to overhaul our energy policies and fully commit to a just transition to renewable energy. Bangladesh's youth demand immediate action to ensure a climate-resilient future. Our leaders must act decisively before it's too late."
Aruba Faruque, a prominent youth climate activist, added: "Our push for a revised energy master plan is about safeguarding our future. We need a definitive 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."
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), supported the youth's demands: "Bangladesh's new political leadership aspires to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this target, we need to overhaul the IEPMP, which currently reinforces carbon lock-in and delays the renewable energy transition. Immediate revision is crucial for aligning with national climate goals and achieving a sustainable future."
The climate strike also urged developed countries to fulfil their climate finance promises and avoid burdening the Global South with debt-based financing.
Activists called on these nations to invest in renewable energy and halt support for fossil fuels to limit global temperature increases in line with the Paris Agreement.
M. Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive of Change Initiative, addressed the need for effective climate finance: "Climate finance should not only address immediate vulnerabilities but also catalyze long-term resilience and nature conservation. In Bangladesh, investing in renewable energy is crucial 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 drew to a close, it was clear that this moment marked a turning point for the nation. The youth of Bangladesh are sending a powerful message to their leaders—they are watching, and they will not rest until the country's energy policies reflect the urgent need for a climate-resilient, sustainable future.
