Energy experts and environmental advocates have cautioned that Bangladesh’s growing reliance on imported fossil fuels and unchecked expansion of coal and LNGbased projects are threatening both economic stability and the ecosystem.
Speaking at an interactive session titled “Energy Expansion: Impact on Bangladesh’s Economy, Ecosystem and Fair Transition” held at Premier University in Chattogram recently, they also called for a swift transition to renewable sources.
The event was jointly organized by Dhara (Protect the Earth), Premier University, 350.org, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh, with the participation of youth climate activists, students, researchers, and civil society representatives.
Shafiqul Alam, lead analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), said Bangladesh’s energy mix remains highly vulnerable. “Around40%ofourtotal energy supply and over half of our electricity generation depend on imports. Yet, only 2% comes from renewable sources,” he said.
He added that Bangladesh’s global ranking in energy security, equity, and sustainability has slipped to 83rd, down from 77th two years ago.