Youths demand urgent revision of Energy Plan and Boosted Climate Finance Ahead of COP29

Bangladeshi youth climate activists have retaken to the streets, demanding an urgent revision of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) and a heightened focus on climate priorities as COP29 approaches.

YouthNet for Climate Justice organized the climate strike on Friday, September 20th, outside the National Press Club in Dhaka. The strike highlighted the pressing need to halt fossil-fuel financing, accelerate investment in renewable energy, and secure enhanced climate finance from the global community.

The activists criticised 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. They emphasised 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, emphasised 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. We need to overhaul the IEPMP to meet this target, 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 adequate climate finance: "Climate finance should not only address immediate vulnerabilities but also catalyse 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. Bangladesh's youth 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.