Experts Urge Shift to Renewable Energy for a Livable Dhaka
Staff Reporter
A policy dialogue titled “Role of Renewable Energy for a Livable City” was held on Thursday at the BIP Conference Hall in the city. Experts and policymakers at the event underscored the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to combat worsening air pollution and ensure a sustainable future for Bangladesh.
The event was jointly organized by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), and Jet Net BD. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of BIP, with Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at State University, as the Guest of Honor. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS.
Keynote speaker Dr. Majumder highlighted that Bangladesh’s rapid industrialization and urbanization continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to deteriorating air quality. He emphasized that a shift to renewable energy is crucial for a healthier and more livable city.
Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi stressed that reducing fossil fuel consumption is a collective responsibility, not just the governments. He urged for policy integration and public awareness to make renewable energy adoption a cultural habit.
Md. Ziaul Haque, Director of Air Quality Management at the Department of Environment, acknowledged that fossil fuel-driven pollution is a major threat to public health. He revealed that Bangladesh aims to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. However, he admitted that enforcing policies and coordinating among ministries remains a challenge.
Supreme Court lawyer Adv. Rasheduzzaman Majumder pointed out that while various energy plans exist; renewable energy targets have not been met. He called for a revision of the Energy Master Plan 2023 to align with the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.
Md. Abul Kalam Azad from Action Aid Bangladesh highlighted that despite increased electricity generation capacity, energy security remains uncertain due to global disruptions, such as the Ukraine war. He stressed that renewable energy is the key to long-term stability.
Barrister Neoaz Morshed called for early education on renewable energy and a shift away from fossil fuel dependence in national energy policies.
Md. Jahangir Alam, Coordinator of BARCIK, warned that Dhaka is becoming unlivable due to unsustainable energy consumption, urging an immediate transition to eco-friendly alternatives.
Experts at the dialogue proposed several key recommendations: 1. Gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, industries, and households. 2. Expansion of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas. 3. Revision of energy policies, including the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP). 4. Strict enforcement of emission standards for power plants and industries. 5. Increased investment in renewable energy projects and incentives for private sector participation. 6. Promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 7. Adoption of energy-efficient building designs and sustainable alternatives like block bricks instead of burnt bricks.
Gaous Pearee, Director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust (WBBT), emphasized that there is no alternative to renewable energy for reducing pollution. Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, Secretary of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, criticized the lack of public involvement in energy policy decisions and rising electricity prices.
Muhammad Anowarul Hoque, Secretary General of Save Our Sea, said that Renewable energy plays a crucial role in making cities more livable by reducing pollution, improving air quality, and providing a sustainable energy source. When considering the ocean’s role, we can connect renewable energy to livable cities in several ways like Offshore Wind Energy, Wave and Tidal Energy, Floating Solar Farms, Blue Carbon Ecosystems for Climate Resilience and Desalination Using Renewable Energy.
The event also featured discussions from environmental activists, journalists, and university students, reinforcing the urgency of the transition to renewable energy for a greener and healthier Bangladesh.