Month-long ‘Renewables Now’ campaign launched

The month-long campaign titled ‘Renewables Now’ was launched on Friday with the aim of ensuring energy security, reducing dependence on imports, and building a clean and just energy future.

The event was led by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

A total of 37 civil and social organisations organised the campaign at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre, Dhaka, said a press release.

Throughout the month, the campaign will feature awareness programmes across different parts of the country, cycling and boat rallies, road processions, a coastal walk, cultural performances, and a national dialogue.

As part of the campaign, the coastal walk was also formally launched at the event.

The campaign banner was handed over by the chief guest to the implementer of the activity, Mashfiqul Hasan Tony, Executive Director of Bengal Peace Foundation, marking the official inauguration of the walk.

Co-Convenor of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), M S Siddiqui chaired the event where Chairman, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), Jalal Ahmed attended the event as the chief guest.

Special guests included Mostafa Al Mahmud, President, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA); Shafiqul Alam, Bangladesh Lead Energy Analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA); Golam Iftekhar Mahmud, Editor and Publisher, Dhaka Stream; Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean, Faculty of Science and Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh and Founder and Director, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS); and Zakia Shishir, Coordinator, Haoroncholbashi.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC)’s Chairman, Jalal Ahmed, said in his speech, "The biggest obstacle to renewable energy is not technology but the mindset towards change. Our conventional perception of a power plant still brings a thermal power plant to mind; this mindset must change. Large-scale solar power generation is possible by utilizing existing land, such as in Matarbari. What is needed now is to break the barriers to change and move rapidly towards solar power."

Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA)’s Co-Convenor, MS Siddiqui, said in his remarks as chair, "Renewable energy is no longer only a matter of environmental protection—it is a question of Bangladesh’s energy security, economic self-reliance, and sovereignty. We must move away from the risks of an import-dependent energy system and generate our own energy. The expansion of solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy sources can create opportunities for new investment, employment, and local economies across the country. Therefore, this is the time to make a large-scale transition to renewable energy."

"Bangladesh’s energy security is facing a profound challenge due to its dependence on imports. There is no alternative to a rapid and planned transition to renewable energy to overcome this reality. Achieving the target of generating 10,000 megawatts of renewable electricity by 2030 requires a clear roadmap, effective action, and strong political commitment now. This change is not the sole responsibility of the government; it is our collective responsibility. It is from this sense of responsibility and commitment that 37 organizations have jointly planned the special campaign titled ‘Renewables Now’. Our initiative will further unite and inspire civil society across Bangladesh towards renewable energy," said Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA)’s Member Secretary and Waterkeepers Bangladesh’s Coordinator, Sharif Jamil.

Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA)’s President, Mostafa Al Mahmud, said, "The import-dependent energy system is putting our energy security at risk. Establishing a new FSRU alone will not solve the problem; it would also require nearly Tk 20,000 crore in additional investment for pipelines and necessary infrastructure. Therefore, instead of becoming more dependent on LNG imports, we must rapidly expand renewable energy capacity within the next three to four years."

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)’s Bangladesh Lead Energy Analyst, Shafiqul Alam, said, "The import-dependent energy system is increasingly putting our energy security at risk. Expanding renewable energy is no longer an alternative; it is an urgent necessity to overcome this situation. Renewable energy capacity must be rapidly expanded within the next three to four years, alongside ensuring accessible financing, investment-friendly policies, and efficient use of energy."

"Renewable energy cannot be pursued only to increase electricity generation; it must go hand in hand with environmental accountability and pollution control. Without proper management, used batteries and solar panels could become major sources of pollution. Therefore, the renewable energy transition must also ensure responsible waste management and overall environmental protection," said Dhaka Stream’s Editor and Publisher, Golam Iftekhar Mahmud.

Stamford University Bangladesh’s Dean, Faculty of Science and Professor, Department of Environmental Science, and Founder and Director, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Professor Dr. Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder said, "Fossil fuels are directly heating our atmosphere while also increasing air pollution. As air pollution increases, dust accumulation on solar panels also increases, reducing their efficiency. Therefore, the use of renewable energy will reduce pollution, and as pollution decreases, the efficiency of solar panels will increase, contributing to greater renewable energy generation."

"People must be made aware in order to rapidly expand renewable energy. Investment in the relevant sectors requires a legal framework, and the use of fossil fuels must be stopped now," said Haoroncholbashi’s Coordinator, Zakia Shishir.

The discussion emphasised the expansion of renewable energy, increasing public awareness, and taking necessary steps to ensure broader public engagement to achieve the 2030 target.

The 37 organisations jointly organising the campaign are: DHORA, WKB, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Youth Action for Social Development- YASD, APOS Youth Organization, Brighters, Youth Environment and Development Organization (YEDO), OAB Foundation, River Bangla, Bengal Peace Foundation, Torongo Foundation, Climate Frontier, Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF), Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Riverine People, Environmental Research and Development Alternatives (ERDA), Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement , Socheton Nagorik Somaj Songoton, COAST Foundation, Center for Participatory Research and Development - CPRD, CRESL, Earth's Ants, Kasmas Organisation, BARCIK, Haoroncholbashi, Shopner Shiri Social Welfare Organization, Mission Green Bangladesh, EquityBD, Socheton Foundation, Sompriti O Souhardya, Gorjon Samaj Kollyan Sangstha, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), River Social Development Bangladesh, Greenway Renewable Energy Implementation Organization, univo, YouCan, Green Peace Youth Development Society