United News of Bangladesh

A national workshop on renewable energy held in the capital has underscored persistent financing, policy and implementation challenges hindering the expansion of sustainable energy in Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Titled “Bridging Macroeconomic Barriers and Field Implementation under the NABAPALLAB Project,” the workshop brought together experts, policymakers, private sector leaders, financial institutions and development partners on Sunday. It was jointly organised by CARE Bangladesh and iDE Bangladesh. The event focused on identifying scalable and financially viable renewable energy solutions for ecologically critical areas, including the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor. Organised under the Adaptation in Ecologically Critical Areas in Bangladesh (AECAB)/NABAPALLAB project funded by the UK government, the initiative is implemented by a CARE-led consortium comprising CNRS, Cordaid, C3ER at BRAC University, DSK, Friendship, Humanity and Inclusion (HI), iDE and Practical Action. As part of the consortium, iDE Bangladesh is working to strengthen market systems by engaging private sector actors in nature-based solutions and enhancing the capacity of local institutions. Through this approach, the NABAPALLAB project is implementing integrated livelihood development and ecosystem restoration models, while piloting renewable energy technologies such as solar irrigation systems, solar-powered livelihood solutions and biodigesters to reduce energy poverty and generate income. Speaking at the inaugural session, Sameer Karki, country director of iDE Bangladesh, said the project is helping identify effective solutions and existing gaps at the field level. “As energy demand continues to grow, renewable energy will be critical for building a resilient and sustainable future. However, translating policy into practice remains a major challenge, particularly in vulnerable areas,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among government, private sector and communities. Nathaniel Smith, team leader for climate and environment at the British High Commission in Dhaka, said Bangladesh’s energy transition is both an environmental priority and a pathway to long-term economic resilience amid global energy volatility. “Through initiatives like NABAPALLAB, the UK is supporting community-driven solutions while fostering partnerships and financing mechanisms that can scale,” he added. Drawing on field experience from the Sundarbans Ecologically Critical Area, the workshop highlighted a significant gap between national renewable energy targets and ground realities. Participants said adoption of innovative technologies remains limited due to financing constraints, high upfront costs, supply chain gaps, policy implementation challenges, weak market systems and a lack of incentives for private sector participation. Representatives from renewable energy firms and financial institutions also pointed to difficulties in accessing working capital, managing risks and sustaining operations in underserved rural markets. Delivering the keynote address, economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the country’s renewable energy transition is constrained more by structural and political economy challenges than by technological limitations, emphasising the need for inclusive financing and stronger local markets.    

US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a $5 million project titled “Women Thrive in Bangladesh” to empower women who are working in readymade garment factories in Bangladesh. With the US government support, CARE Bangladesh will implement the new project and expand professional development opportunities for over 100,000 women working in sector by equipping them with market-oriented leadership skills. Read USAID: Some structural issues to be fixed in Bhasan Char

CARE Bangladesh on Monday arranged an online workshop involving key stakeholders including the Department of Disaster Management to discuss the key takeaways from its River Bank Erosion Anticipatory Response Project in Kurigram. 

CARE Bangladesh has taken various programmes as part of response and recovery with its implementing partners and working closely with the government functionaries in tackling flood and river erosion amidst Covid-19 pandemic.

Care Bangladesh has started distributing more than 120,000 packs of sanitary napkins among disadvantaged communities affected by COVID-19 from Monday with support from Procter & Gamble (P&G) to ease marginalised women and girls’ difficulties in maintaining regular health and hygiene practices.

Researchers on Thursday suggested more investment in creating women-led business model to incorporate women in business.

Care Bangladesh, with support from USAID, on Wednesday handed over constructed handwashing stations to a union health and welfare center in Mithamoin, Kishoreganj. 

Coca-Cola and CARE Bangladesh on Wednesday kicked off a programme to support over 50,000 people from disadvantaged communities with a month’s food rations to help them tide over the current COVID-19 hardships.

Care Bangladesh as part of their Health Access and Linkage Opportunities for Workers Plus (HALOW+) project distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other sanitising materials to Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), Health and Family Planning Department in Gazipur and uapzila health complexes in Savar and Bhaluka on Thursday. 

National Disaster Preparedness Day was observed in three upazilas of Cox’s Bazar Wednesday by CARE Bangladesh in collaboration with Upazila administrations of Cox’s Bazar, Ramu and Moheskhali.