Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku on Monday said Bangladesh is facing growing challenges due to a steady decline in gas pressure and stressed that the country can no longer rely solely on fossil fuels, urging a faster transition to renewable energy.

 “Gas pressure is decreasing every day and we are facing serious difficulties because of it,” he said at a dissemination workshop titled ‘Voices of Development’ organised by the National Development Programme (NDP) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

The minister called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to play a more active role in expanding renewable energy, particularly in rural areas.

The minister said Bangladesh must reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards renewable energy to ensure long-term energy security and sustainability.

He said NGOs could make a significant contribution to promoting renewable energy across the country, especially in remote and rural communities.

“If NGOs come forward to work in this sector, the government will provide all possible support, including funding,” he said.

The workshop, held under the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Development through Dialogue, Policy and Partnership,” focused on strengthening sustainable development, policymaking and multi-stakeholder partnerships in Bangladesh.

The minister also highlighted the government’s development agenda and outlined its plans for the country’s overall economic progress.

Among the special guests were NGO Affairs Bureau Director General (Secretary) Mohammad Zakaria and Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) Executive Vice President Prof Dr Mohammad Helal Uddin.

The discussion was attended by NDP Executive Director Md Alauddin Khan, TMSS Founder Prof Dr Hosne Ara Begum, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shaheen Anam and Practical Action Bangladesh representative Ishrat Shabnam.

According to NDP, it recently completed an 18-episode talk show series titled ‘Voices of Development’, bringing together policymakers, development experts, corporate leaders, academics and entrepreneurs to discuss Bangladesh’s development challenges, opportunities and future priorities.

The discussions highlighted the emerging challenges posed by declining international development assistance and donor funding, while exploring alternative financing options, innovative initiatives and stronger partnerships.

Participants also emphasised closer collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, educational and research institutions and social organisations.

The organisation said the recommendations and research findings generated through the talk show and Monday’s workshop would be shared with policymakers, development partners, financial institutions, academia, civil society and development practitioners to help shape future policy initiatives.