Protest rally demanding end to Japanese investment in coal, LNG projects
Staff Correspondent
A protest rally was held at Shyamoli Park ground in Mohammadpur in the city on Tuesday demanding steps to stop financing Japanese investment and other private investors in coal and LNG projects.
Primarily, the Japanese government and private financial institutions such as METI, JBIC, and JICA are investing in the construction of fossil fuel-based coal and LNG plants in four Asian countries, among which Bangladesh is one.
Japan’s financing and energy policies, both public and private, are contributing to the expansion of coal and gas in Asia. These act as major barriers to energy transition and achieving energy security in South and Southeast Asian countries. In June 2025, the Japanese government and its private entities are set to take urgent decisions regarding their investments. Considering this context, to protect the planet, the initiative "Dhara" along with 17 organizations in Bangladesh organized this event to raise awareness and urge the Japanese government to shift investment from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
The organizing organizations include Dhara (Dhritri Rokkhay Amra), Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Brighters, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), EquityBD, Global Law Thinkers Society (GLTS), Khasi Students Union (KSU), Mission Green Bangladesh, Organization for Climate Resilience and Environmental Conservation (OCREC), Sacheton Foundation, Sundarban o Upokul Surakkha Andolon, Young Climate Action Network (UCAN), 350.org, River Bangla, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Sharif Jamil, Mostafa Kamal Akand, Abdul Karim Kim, Faisal Ahmed, Rauman Smita, Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, ASM Badrul Alam, Saidur Rahman Siam, Mehnaz Mala, Yudhisthir Chandra Biswas, Abu Shahdat Mohammad Sayem, Noor Ataya Rabbi, Ahsan Rony, Blessmy Bare, Monir Hossain, Iqbal Faruk, among others spoke.
Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of Dhara, highlighted the purpose of the event in his keynote speech, saying: “Japan prepares its action plan in June. We’ve learned that they are planning to establish several more LNG terminals in Bangladesh to expand gas usage. We do not want this. We want Japan to move towards renewable energy projects.”
Surma River Waterkeeper Abdul Karim Kim said, “Dhara has been established as a platform. Protests are taking place in different countries against Japan’s deceptive investments. I thank all the participating organizations on behalf of Waterkeepers Bangladesh.”
Nikhil Chandra Bhadra from Sundarban o Upokul Surakkha Andolon said, “Due to the harmful impact of fossil fuels, climate change is intensifying. As a result, many people are losing their livelihoods and being forced to migrate. We hope the current caretaker government will take action.”
ASM Badrul Alam from Bangladesh Krishok Federation said, “We know Japan is investing billions in Bangladesh, but we don’t realize the damage it causes. Climate change is causing drought and desertification in the north, and disrupting seasonal patterns. Our country has huge potential for using renewable energy, yet Japan is investing in coal in the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh for business interests. We hope Japan will pull out of such investments.”
Mission Green Bangladesh volunteers performed a flash mob showcasing how investors are destroying nature for profit and also portrayed the role of environmental activists in environmental protection.
Saidur Rahman Siam from Brighters said, “Japan’s gas project expansion is increasing carbon emissions. To meet their LNG expansion targets, Japan is setting up LNG terminals in Bangladesh and other countries. Through this, Japan is misleading us.”
Mehnaz Mala from “Chalan Beel Rokkhay Amra” said, “Due to climate change, Chalan Beel is in crisis. Farmers are living in hardship. In the dry season, they need to install pumps 5 feet underground to extract water, and in the rainy season, their fields are flooded even before rain arrives.”
Yudhisthir Chandra Biswas from UCAN said, “We, the youth, do not want fossil fuel-based investments. We want to live in a healthy environment.”
Noor Ataya Rabbi from CPRD said, “Compared to last year, carbon emissions are higher now. Japan is responsible for this because they are emitting greenhouse gases. By continuing harmful projects in developing countries, Japan is violating its commitments.”
Blessmy Bare from the Khasi Students Union said, “Indigenous people live in harmony with nature and rely entirely on it. Any change in nature affects their lives and livelihoods.”
A mime performance by Shawon Mime Academy depicted the harmful effects of fossil fuel use on the environment and its impact on human life and livelihood.
The rally expressed hope that the Japanese government would stop pushing Bangladesh and other Asian countries toward more fossil fuel dependence and that its institutions would shift their policies and actions toward renewable energy transformation.
