Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh is set to invest an estimated $50 billion in new liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants and import terminals, a move that has sparked strong criticism from environmental and energy experts.
A report by Market Forces, Waterkeepers Bangladesh, and Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA) warns that this expansion poses significant risks to public health, intensifies pollution, and could worsen climate-related disasters, such as floods and cyclones.
The proposed LNG projects include 41 new gas-powered plants and LNG import terminals, which would significantly increase Bangladesh’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Experts caution that, in addition to the environmental costs, the country could face long-term economic burdens, including annual LNG import costs of up to $11 billion.
Critics argue that these funds would be better spent on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which would better serve the country’s energy security and public health.
Munira Chowdhury, Asia Energy Analyst at Market Forces, stressed that these foreign-backed projects risk making Bangladesh dangerously dependent on fossil fuels.
She highlighted that, alongside the $50 billion initial investment, the country would face ongoing LNG import costs, estimated at $7-11 billion annually.
The government’s energy master plan, which heavily favours LNG expansion, was shaped by Japan’s Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ).
The plan includes 41 new gas-powered plants, which would worsen Bangladesh’s air quality, already among the worst in the world.
Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howladar, former Chairman of the National River Protection Commission, called for accountability, stating that these LNG and gas plants are being developed at the expense of Bangladesh’s resources.
He urged strict action, including criminal charges against those driving the LNG expansion, and emphasised the need to invest in solutions that truly meet the country’s needs.
Prof. Anu Muhammad, former economics faculty member at Jahangirnagar University, noted that reliance on LNG imports would strain Bangladesh’s finances and harm both life and nature.
He pointed out that the energy plans were influenced by international financial institutions like the World Bank and ADB, which have promoted fossil fuel-based solutions.
The report reveals that Bangladesh could avoid this costly LNG path by investing in renewable energy.
The $36 billion allocated to LNG power plants could instead generate 62 gigawatts of renewable energy, more than double the country’s current power generation capacity.
Shifting to renewables would provide clean, sustainable energy and reduce dependence on costly fossil fuel imports.
Sharif Jamil, Coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, called for a revision of the energy master plan, arguing that over-reliance on LNG jeopardises the country’s energy security.
“We must rethink our energy future and prioritise renewable sources over fossil fuels,” he stated.
Megu Fukuzawa, Asia Energy Finance Campaigner at Market Forces, echoed concerns about the involvement of Japanese corporations, such as Mitsui, JERA, and Mitsubishi, in the LNG projects.
He suggested these companies should focus on supporting Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition instead.
The report’s authors emphasise that Bangladesh has the potential to lead the renewable energy charge by harnessing its vast solar and wind resources.
With an estimated 240 gigawatts of solar and 30 gigawatts of onshore wind power available, the country could significantly reduce its reliance on LNG and create a more sustainable energy system.
Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Center for Policy Dialogue, urged policymakers to prioritise national interests, conduct energy audits, and focus on energy-efficient technologies, rather than further expanding LNG infrastructure.
He called for the redirection of funds toward renewable energy investments to ensure a sustainable energy future for Bangladesh.