Bangladesh now stands at a critical juncture in its energy expansion strategy. The government has given highest priority to large-scale energy projects—especially coal, LNG, imported fossil-fuel-based power generation, and renewable energy initiatives—emphasizing infrastructural development and economic growth.
Electricity generation is essential for development, but a growing tension has emerged between immediate economic goals and long-term environmental and social sustainability. To align development with environmental justice and balance the economy–ecology conflict, a rapid, inclusive, and environmentally conscious energy transition is now essential. At the center of this transition must be renewable energy, decentralization, and active public participation.
To engage the youth in this fast energy transition—educating them, amplifying their voices, encouraging their participation, and enabling them to become pioneers of change for the present and future—an interactive session titled “Energy Expansion: Conflict with Economy, Ecology and Just Transition in Bangladesh” was organized on Saturday ( August 23) at 3:00 PM at Liberation War Museum Auditorium, Dhaka.
The event was jointly organized by Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA), Brighters, Climate Frontier, Global Law Thinkers Society, Mission Green Bangladesh, OAB Foundation, Shocheton Foundation, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Youth Environmental Development Society, and Young Climate Action Network.
Keynote speakers were Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Harjeet Singh, Strategic Adviser, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary, Dharitri Rokkhae Amra (DHORA)
They discussed in detail Bangladesh’s energy expansion, economic–environmental conflict, and pathways to a just transition. Participants included young climate leaders and activists, students and researchers, energy experts, civil society representatives, and policymakers.
The session was moderated by Faria Omi and began with an opening speech by Saidur Rahman Siam, who emphasized the challenge of meeting energy demand without destroying nature and the environment must be taken up by the youth.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem explained that we must understand the difference between energy resources and energy equipment. Any energy plan must consider the entire supply chain: collection, processing, transportation, use, and transformation. Every energy source has different forms, and we must identify where each fits. Meeting energy demand requires infrastructure, human resources, technology, and policies.
Sharif Jamil said Bangladesh’s energy expansion began around 2000 with special economic zones to promote growth, leading to the Power System Master Plan. Later, in 2010, coal-based planning was adopted—targeting over 50% of energy from coal. If implemented, it would trigger catastrophic human and environmental disasters. Coal power plants spread ash within a 25 km radius, damaging crops, trees, and water. Referring to projects in Rampal, Payra, Matarbari–Maheshkhali, he noted that all major natural heritage sites fall within these zones, now under severe threat.
Harjeet Singh highlighted global power imbalances: the U.S. remains one of the biggest polluters, while China controls much of the technology needed for renewable expansion. This geopolitical tension widens the North–South divide, raising energy costs for poorer nations like Bangladesh.
After each discussion, a Q&A session was held. In the final segment, a quiz competition was held with 385 registered young participants. Winners received certificates. H
Habibur Rahman from Shocheton Foundation thanked all participants.
