A strong youth gathering and procession demanding immediate energy policy reforms took place at the Chittagong University campus as activists and community members rallied for Bangladesh’s transition to renewable energy.
Led by ISDE Bangladesh, CAB Youth CU unit, CLEAN, and BWGED, the demonstration underscored the pressing need to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure a smooth shift to sustainable energy sources, said a CAB press release.
Participants of the youth gathering and road procession at different departments of the university raised festoons, play cards, banners, and chanted slogans to highlight barriers such as outdated infrastructure, inconsistent policies, and insufficient investment in renewable energy.
The campaign demands the establishment of a streamlined approval process, fair tariff structures, and increased financial support for clean energy initiatives.
Protesters argued that without these reforms, Bangladesh risks falling behind in its renewable energy commitments.
Nearly everyone in the world breathes polluted air
CAB Central Vice President & Executive Director of ISDE Bangladesh said that the power crisis has reached its peak even before the upcoming summer season begins.
Therefore, it will be difficult to solve the energy crisis if investment in renewable energy is not increased quickly.
"We must create a more conducive environment for investment in renewable energy," he said. "Only through effective policy change can we ensure the transition to affordable and accessible green energy."
Dr. Khaled Mizbahuzzaman of the Institute of Forestry and Environment, Chandan Kumar of the Department of Statistics, Joint Secretary of Chattogram Jila Samajik Uddokta Forum Md Janae Alam, President of CAB Youth Group Chittagong University Unit Rabbi Touhid, Secretary Khairul Islam, and ISDE Bangladesh Programme Officer Abu Hasan Azmi spoke on the occasion.
Local leaders, students, and environmental activists who championed the cause of a greener Bangladesh also attended the rally.