Category: Energy and Power

As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress opens today, Members are preparing to vote on a historic motion that could redefine the future of global conservation by tackling the world’s biggest threat to nature: fossil fuels. Motion 42: ‘Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises through fossil fuel supply-side measures and a just transition’ calls on the IUCN to develop guidance, analysis, and pathways for a fair and funded phaseout of coal, oil, and gas- placing fossil fuel supply at the heart of conservation for the first time in the IUCN’s history. If adopted, the motion would make the IUCN the first major environmental body to formally call for international cooperation toward a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty-a new global framework to stop fossil fuel expansion, equitably phase out existing production, and enable a just transition for workers and communities.

Ba ngladesh stands at a critical juncture in its energy journey today. For decades, our economic growth has relied heavily on imported fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal.

these fuels have powered industries, cities, and rural communities. Still, at the same time, they have made us vulnerable to global market volatility, rising import bills, and the growing threats of climate change.

as the world rapidly shifts towards renewable energy, Bangladesh faces both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Renewable energy is not just a technical solution-it is essential for economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress. Policy Progress After 17 Years After nearly 17 years, the government has introduced the Renewable Energy Policy 2025. This policy sets a clear roadmap for the country’s future energy mix. It mandates that by 2030, at least 20% of electricity must come from renewable sources, and by 2040, the share must rise to 30%. Key incentives introduced under this new policy include: l A 10-year full tax holiday for renewable energy producers, followed by a partial tax exemption. l Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): Large electricity consumers will be required to purchase a specific portion of their power from renewable sources. l Expanded Net Metering: Enabling households, businesses, and industries to sell excess rooftop solar electricity back to the national grid.

these measures send a strong signal to domestic and international investors that Bangladesh is moving beyond planning and stepping into implementation. Current Status and Challenges Currently, less than 5% of Bangladesh’s total electricity generation comes from renewable sources, with solar power contributing the majority.

in rural areas, more than 8 million solar home systems have brought light and opportunities for small businesses, dramatically improving lives. However, large grid-connected solar projects face multiple challenges: l Complications in land acquisition. l Lack of accessible bank financing and low-cost funding options. l Technical limitations in grid integration for renewable energy.

the government has set a bold target of achieving 3,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity by December 2025. But the current installed capacity is only 245 MW. Bridging this massive gap will be extremely difficult, yet it also highlights the untapped potential across industrial rooftops, commercial buildings, and urban spaces.

a National Necessity: No Alternative to Renewables Bangladesh is facing a shortage of domestic energy resources, coupled with a foreign currency crisis due to the heavy cost of importing fossil fuels.

at the same time, the government is under pressure to reduce subsidies on conventional energy. For these reasons, there is no alternative but to rapidly advance the renewable energy sector to ensure long-term energy security. To accelerate this transition, immediate and substantial incentives must be provided to attract investment and drive faster adoption of renewable energy solutions. Financing Hurdles: $2 Billion Needed Annually The greatest challenge to reaching renewable energy targets is financing. Research shows that until 2030, the sector will need approximately $980 million annually.

after 2030, the investment requirement will rise even further, with an average annual need of around $2 billion to continue scaling renewable energy development. Without securing this massive level of financing, progress in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector will face serious setbacks. Key concerns for international lenders include l Foreign exchange rate volatility. l Lack of policy continuity and bureaucratic hurdles in project approvals. l Financial instability of power utilities as off-takers. Proposed solutions to unlock financing l Launching green bonds and blended finance models to reduce investment risks. l Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPP) for large-scale projects. l Introducing credit risk guarantees to secure investor confidence. l Incentivizing domestic banks to finance renewable energy projects. Recent Crisis: Impact of 37 Project Cancellations Recently, the government canceled 37 Letters of Intent (LOIs) for solar power projects.

this decision has delivered a major blow to the sector.

thousands of crores of taka invested by local and foreign entrepreneurs are now at risk.

the sudden cancellations have damaged Bangladesh’s image internationally, making investors hesitant and threatening to slow future investment flows into the renewable energy sector.

instead of abrupt cancellations, projects should be professionally evaluated, and solutions should be discussed in collaboration with investors.

otherwise, the sector risks being perceived as a testing ground rather than a serious national priority, which would harm longterm growth and investor confidence.

unlocking Rooftop Solar Potential Rooftop solar energy offers a powerful solution, particularly for industrial facilities.

it can strengthen energy security while improving Bangladesh’s competitive position in the global market. Key actions needed include l Mandatory energy audits for factories to maximize rooftop solar utilization. l Launching a Solar Performance Monitoring System (SPMS) for real-time performance tracking. l Designing standardized rooftop structures to ensure safety and efficiency. l Enforcing long-term maintenance contracts to keep systems operational. l Simplifying and digitalizing grid connection processes. l Reducing the 30-60% import duties and VAT on panels, inverters, and related equipment to make solar systems more affordable.

the government should also introduce easy installment-based solar packages, especially for rural farmers and lowincome households. VAT, Taxes, and Industrial Sector Challenges Renewable energy equipment remainshighly expensive in Bangladesh. Solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, batteries, and other components are priced beyond the reach of average consumers due to high import duties and VAT, currently ranging from 30% to 60%. Recommended measures l Gradually reduce import duties and VAT on renewable energy components. l Offer tax holidays and investment incentives to encourage local manufacturing. l Establish special economic zones (SEZs) dedicated to renewable energy production. l Promote world-class manufacturing facilities through policy support. Reducing costs will boost industrial competitiveness and enable more households and businesses to adopt solar energy solutions.

ensuring Quality and Standards Long-term success depends on maintaining quality and reliability. Currently, low-grade panels and inverters are entering the market, which shortens the lifespan of projects and erodes public confidence. Necessary Actions l Mandate joint inspections by utility representatives during installation. l Implement strict certification processes for every project. l Expand technical centers and training programs for technicians. l Build a skilled workforce with proper certifications to ensure quality control. High-quality systems will increase public trust and restore international investor confidence. Beyond Electricity: The Wider Potential of Renewables Renewable energy’s impact goes beyond electricity production.

it can be the foundation of sustainable economic and social development: l Energy Storage and Smart Grids: Essential for efficiently integrating solar and wind power. l Electric Vehicles (EVs): Reducing dependence on imported oil and cutting pollution. l Clean Cooking Solutions: Protecting health and the environment for rural households. l Green Industries: Powering garments and manufacturing with renewables to stay competitive in global markets. Policy Stability and International Cooperation To increase foreign investment, the government must ensure policy stability and transparency. Sudden decisions, such as canceling LOIs, discourage investors.

additional steps include: l Establishing a one-stop service center for approvals and processes. l Developing special economic zones (SEZs) focused on renewable energy. l Setting up international-standard training centers for technical expertise.

offering tax incentives and reduced tariffs for foreign investors. If the government takes bold action, Bangladesh can quickly position itself as a hub for renewable energy investment in South Asia. Conclusion Renewable energy is not just a sectoral goal-it is a national mission.

its successful implementation will shape the future of Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and society. With dwindling domestic energy resources, foreign currency shortages, and pressure to cut energy subsidies, there is no alternative but to push the renewable energy sector forward. Immediate incentives and bold measures are urgently needed to secure the nation’s energy independence and protect its future. Bangladesh has already inspired the world with its solar home system initiatives. Now, it’s time to transform these smallscale successes into industrial-scale infrastructure.

the bold and realistic decisions we make today will determine whether Bangladesh becomes a green, secure, and sustainable energy leader tomorrow. ‘Solar power in every home’ should not remain a mere slogan-it must become the foundation of Bangladesh’s energy security

With increasing heat and humidity, Bangladesh has been experiencing severe adverse weather phenomena that are making life and livelihoods ever more challenging.

the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted that heat waves in the coming decades will become more frequent, with daily temperatures expected to exceed 35°C even beyond the summer season.

the country’s agricultural sector has already been recording lower yields for rice and other crops due to extreme weather conditions.

the health situation has also deteriorated as extreme heat triggers widespread illnesses, including diarrhea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and heat exhaustion.

a recently released research report titled ‘An Unsustainable Life: The Impacts of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh,’ published on September 16, 2025, by the World Bank in Dhaka, revealed that Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C since 1980. However, the ‘feels-like’ temperature has surged by 4.4°C.

the World Bank study established measurable links between rising temperatures and increased risks to physical and mental health, declining productivity, and major economic losses in Bangladesh.

according to the report, higher heat levels in 2024 led to a loss of 250 million workdays, costing the national economy up to US$1.78 billion. People living below the poverty line have been the hardest hit, as their already poor working and living conditions have worsened amid rising temperatures.

the lack of safe drinking water and minimal hygiene facilities has become more common, leaving poor communities- particularly women in unplanned urban settlements and drought-prone rural areas-especially vulnerable during heat waves.

according to The Guardian (September 28, 2025), India’s capital, New Delhi, experienced daytime temperatures of up to 40°C in early April 2025.

the heat waves caused heat exhaustion among construction and agricultural workers in northern India, including Delhi.

the situation forced Delhi hospitals to set up special ‘heat wards,’ equipped with icefilled tubs to treat patients suffering from heat-related emergencies.

excessively high night-time temperatures in Delhi also drove up air conditioner use as people struggled to keep indoor areas cool.

india’s rising demand for air conditioning has become a majortopic of discussion. Reports suggest that air conditioning accounts for about 40% of electricity use in Mumbai.

in Saudi Arabia, more than half of peak summer electricity consumption goes toward cooling, forcing the Kingdom to burn roughly one billion barrels of oil annually. The United States uses as much electricity to cool its buildings as the entire continent of Africa consumes for all purposes. China and India are rapidly catching up with the U.S.

in energy use for cooling.

india, now the third-largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter after the U.S.

and China, faces mounting pressure to increase electricity generation to meet growing demand, including for cooling. About 70% of India’s total electricity generation currently comes from coal, which also accounts for half of its total commercial energy supply. Meanwhile, under President Trump’s administration, the United States has been encouraging more drilling for oil and gas, offering incentive packages to revive coal mining and expand coal burning.

european Union countries, facing energy shortfalls and dips in renewable energy output, are also increasing their use of oil, gas, and coal, reversing earlier trends toward lower fossil fuel reliance.

according to The New York Times (September 29, 2025), the Trump administration plans to revive coal mining and burning by offering $625 million to rescue coal industries.

the plan includes upgrading existing coal plants to extend their lifespan, opening 13.1 million acres of federal land for mining, and removing pollution limits to support the struggling sector.

the U.S.

environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would repeal numerous regulations set under President Biden to curb emissions of carbon dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants from coal plants.

the EPA also intends to revise costly wastewater pollution limits from power plants. Coal once supplied nearly half of U.S. electricity but accounted for just 16% last year. Stricter air and water pollution rules have made coal mining and burning increasingly expensive.

under the new plan, the U.S. government aims to reduce royalty rates for coal mining.

against the backdrop of surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, air conditioning, and utilities, the Trump administration has decided to keep 50 coal-fired power units operating beyond their scheduled closure dates. More plants could remain active as pollution restrictions are relaxed. Globally, electricity consumption for air conditioning alone is expected to rise 33-fold by 2100, as urbanization and incomes increase in developing countries.

india currently emits about 3.06 billion tonnes of CO2 annually.

its per capita emissions stand at 2.13 tonnes per year, compared to the global average of 4.7 tonnes.

the world is now projected to use more energy for cooling than for heating. A study by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency predicted that by 2060, global energy consumption for cooling will surpass that for heating.

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global residential air-conditioning demand will rise from 300 terawatt-hours per year in 2000 to 4,000 terawatt-hours in 2050 and 10,000 terawatt-hours by 2100.

unfortunately, this growing demand for cooling threatens to increase greenhouse gas emissions and further heat the planet. Most electricity used for air conditioning and refrigeration still comes from burning fossil fuels, making GHG pollution-mainly carbon dioxide-an unavoidable byproduct of cooling energy use.

additionally, refrigerant gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which can be up to 4,000 times more potent than CO2, often leak and worsen environmental pollution. Rising temperatures have relatively smaller impacts on wealthy nations, which possess stronger infrastructure and financial and technological capacity to adapt. Poorer countries, however, bear the brunt of the crisis. Rapid, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and high population density have led to the loss of wetlands and green cover in Bangladesh.

at the same time, migration to urban centers has triggered haphazard construction, with dense clusters of buildings that absorb and re-emit solar heat more than natural landscapes.

this has intensified the ‘urban heat island effect,’ where concentrated concrete structures, asphalt roads, and high-energy commercial activities trap heat, raising local temperatures.

as a result, urban residents increasingly rely on air conditioning, which releases more heat into the surrounding environment, creating a vicious cycle of rising temperatures and energy use. Considering the severe environmental and economic implications, Bangladesh urgently needs a radical review of its development policies, particularly its urban development strategy.

expanding green coverage, protecting forests, preserving homestead vegetation, conserving water bodies, and maintaining open spaces in cities could help mitigate the problem. At the same time, urban planners and implementing agencies should explore how better use of natural light and ventilation can promote energy conservation and support sustainable living.

Transportation of jet fuel from Patenga to Chittagong airport through a pipeline began recently.

the project has been implemented at a cost of Tk 170 million to supply fuel oil to aircraft in a modern, environmentally friendly, time- and cost-saving manner. Previously, the cost of transporting jet fuel through tank lorries was Tk 80 million per year.

under the pipeline, 140 cubic meters of fuel will be transported per hour through an 8-inch diameter underground pipeline. Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department, Mohammad Saiful Islam, inaugurated the ‘Jet A-1 Pipeline from the main installation at Patenga to Shah Amanat International Airport’ in the port city on Tuesday morning. Jet fuel will now be transported through a 5.77-kilometre pipeline from Padma Oil’s main facility in the Guptakhal area of Patenga. Previously, jet fuel was supplied to the airport by tanker from Patenga, which was eight kilometers away

Speakers at a recent seminar stressed that renewable energy is the only sustainable way to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports. They urged collective efforts driven by patriotism, particularly from the young generation, to foster domestic production and create employment opportunities.

organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), the seminar was held at Khulna Press Club with Energy Adviser of CAB Professor M. Shamsul Alam as the keynote speaker. Speakers highlighted that about 85 percent of Bangladesh’s current energy supply is import-dependent. However, the country has the potential to generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity from rooftops alone, in addition to wind and hydro power opportunities in coastal areas.

they emphasized that energy is central to the nation’s development, but tackling corruption is equally essential for sustainable progress.

China has announced a new climate action plan at a UN meeting — its first pledge to include absolute targets for cutting planet-warming gases — setting a goal of reducing emissions by 7-10 percent by 2035. China is the world’s second biggest economy, and since 2006, the largest polluter, now accounting for nearly 30 percent of global emissions. Paradoxically, it is also a clean energy powerhouse, rapidly shifting to renewable energy while selling the world its solar panels, batteries, and electric cars. Beijing’s trajectory will be crucial to whether the world can limit end-of-century warming to 1.5C, the threshold UN scientists say is needed to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate disruption.

under the Paris Agreement, countries must update their ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ every five years. With the year’s main climate summit in Brazil fast approaching in November, expectations were running high for President Xi Jinping’s announcement recently at the United Nations.

Bangladesh’s gas supply chain has been struggling with a chronic deficit for the past four to five years.

the coincident peak demand of connected end users is estimated at 4,200-4,300 MMCFD. However, according to Petrobangla’s daily production report, supply during 24 hours between September 28 and 29 was only 2,809.20 MMCFD.

this figure includes 1,041 MMCFD of imported RLNG, while production from the rapidly depleting domestic fields connected to the national grid stood at 1,768.20 MMCFD.

additionally, the Shabazpur gas field, which is not linked to the grid, currently produces 72 MMCFD for local use in Bhola. Gas reserves at Bhola, discovered by BAPEX in the mid-1990s, remain stranded due to the absence of a transmission pipeline connecting them to the national grid.

the Bhola reserves have also not been professionally assessed.

in the late 1990s, US energy giant UNOCAL, under its proposed Western Region Integrated Project (WRIP), declared its plan to develop Bhola’s gas prospects at its own risk.

the project included building a 20inch, 120-kilometer cross-country pipeline from Shabazpur in Bhola to Digholia in Khulna, along with power plants of 60 MW in Bhola, 100 MW in Barishal, and 300 MW in Khulna. Petrobangla and UNOCAL negotiated agreements covering PSC, GPSA, GTA, and IA.

the teams jointly surveyed a pipeline route that crossed three major tidal rivers and multiple waterways, and the right-of-way (ROW) was finalized.

the project’s estimated cost was $700 million. Had the government approved the project in 1999, Bhola’s gas could have provided supply security to the Barishal and Khulna regions by 2005. Many industries in Jashore and Khulna could have survived, and new agro-based industries could have developed. Moreover, the construction of a controversial imported coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans mangrove forest could have been avoided.

unfortunately, the government withdrew at the final stage of negotiations, leaving Bhola’s gas stranded. Although a transmission pipeline was later built from Ishwardi to Khulna via Kushtia and Jashore, it remains largely unutilized. The Awami League government (2009- 2024) attempted several initiatives to evacuate Bhola’s gas but failed due to a lack of clarity and commitment from Petrobangla and the EMRD.

a controversial decision to convert Bhola gas to CNG for industries in Dhaka also failed to meet its objectives.

there were hopes that the interim government, free from political ambitions, would make a firm decision on connecting Bhola gas to the grid.

instead, it hesitated, weighing the costly option of a transmission pipeline against setting up an LNG plant at Bhola to transport LNG to demand centers.

typically, LNG plants are built at stranded onshore or offshore gas resources only when building a transmission pipeline is technologically infeasible. LNG projects require at least 3-4 TCF of proven reserves to justify the $2-3 billion investment.

in contrast, a transmission pipeline connected to the grid can serve throughout its operational life. From nearly 50 years of hands-on experience as a pipeline engineer in South Asia, Central Asia, and Australiaand from direct involvement in WRIP-I can confidently state that a pipeline from Shabazpur to Khulna via Barishal is entirely feasible.

even today, there is a ready market for 150-200 MMCFD of gas in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions. Yes, crossing large tidal rivers like the Tetulia and Meghna is challenging, but at least a dozen reputable US and European companies could build the 120-km, 24inch pipeline along a clear ROW within two years. Furthermore, the existence of such a pipeline would encourage IOCs to explore nearby gas blocks, knowing they could evacuate any discovered gas. By contrast, an LNG plant would require proven reserves of 3-4 TCF and substantial risk-sharing by investors across resource, construction, and marketing fronts. While additional reserves may exist in the region, this must first be verified through professional assessment.

the previous government’s interest in LNG was partly influenced by a US company, Excelerate, which proposed supplying RLNG from a floating LNG facility 70 km off Kuakata. In reality, this project would pose even greater challenges than building a pipeline from Bhola. Bangladesh’s experience with LNG since 2018 has already been bitter. If pipeline gas is available, Bangladesh should limit its dependence on LNG. Recommendation The government should immediately move to develop Bhola’s gas prospects through a professional reserve assessment. It should also revisit the earlier pipeline route from Shabazpur to Digholia and secure the ROW.

if an international tender for constructing a 24-inch cross-country pipeline on an EPC basis is floated by June 2026, Bhola gas could begin supplying the Barishal and Khulna regions by 2030.

at the same time, BAPEX and IOCs should be allowed to conduct extensive exploration in Barishal and Khulna to identify additional resources. Policymakers must rely on experienced professionals, not opportunists or fortune-seekers.

enough time has already been wasted. Bangladesh cannot afford to let Bhola gas remain stranded while the national grid struggles for supply. For perspective, Gazprom built thousands of kilometers of the Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany, including large sections under the seabed.

a pipeline from Bhola to the national grid, while technically demanding, is feasible with lay barges and swamp buggies-technologies local contractors have not yet used but are readily available internationally.

the sooner the government makes a decision, the better. People in the greater Khulna and Barishal regions must not be deprived of the benefits of Bhola’s pipeline gas any longer.

A prolonged shortage of fuel has hit filling stations across five northern districts, with depots in Rangpur running nearly empty due to disrupted rail supplies from Chattogram. Officials at the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna depots said the crisis has dragged on for about five months, severely straining the supply chain. Against a monthly demand of roughly 2.5 crore liters for the region, only about 30 lakh liters were delivered in August. Fuel from the Rangpur depots normally serves Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) sources and depot officials blamed the railway’s shortage of locomotives for the persistent disruption.

Athough global warming is a factor behind the continuous rise in temperature in Bangladesh, the domestic causes are far greater. For more than four decades, unplanned urbanization has continued in Dhaka and across the country. Wetlands and reservoirs have been filled in, trees cut down, and buildings constructed without any consideration for the environment or ecosystem.

as a result, air pollution in Bangladesh has broken all previous records, contributing to rising temperatures. While there are policies to address this, their implementation has been deeply disappointing.

these were the remarks of Professor and researcher Dr.

abdus Salam of the Department of Chemistry, and Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, in a conversation with Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain. The World Bank recently released a study, saying that Bangladesh annually loses Tk 21,000 per capita due to rising temperatures. What is your view of this study? Look, the bigger issue is not the exact financial loss, but rather that the World Bank has presented data on temperature rise and its impacts.

that is commendable.

the more such studies and research are conducted, the more they will help create awareness and drive action.

the World Bank is Bangladesh’s biggest partner in efforts to reduce temperature rise and curb air pollution. For example, three projects-AQMP, TASE, and BEST-have been implemented for this purpose.

this study should have highlighted how successful those projects were in achieving their goals.

at the same time, it should have included policy-level and implementation-level recommendations on what actions are needed. Data shows that since 1980, temperatures in Bangladesh have risen alarmingly. The situation in Dhaka is even worse. Does this mean Bangladesh has not taken any initiatives during this long period to prevent it? In practice, no effective initiatives were taken for a long time to curb rising temperatures. In fact, Bangladesh has gone in the opposite direction.

activities such as blocking water bodies, cutting down greenery, and pursuing unplanned urbanization have continued.

as a result, during this period, temperatures have increased by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.

in Dhaka, the effects of rising temperatures are much greater in areas like Motijheel and Tejgaon compared to Ramna or the Cantonment. Sustainable urbanization was never implemented in the capital according to proper regulations. Dhaka’s reservoirs have gradually disappeared, canals have vanished, and low-lying wetlands around the city have been filled to build housing.

as a result, the very features that could have helped reduce temperatures have been systematically destroyed-and this continues.

although policies for sustainable urbanization have been framed at different times in isolation, weak implementation has meant they have achieved no results. Despite repeated research highlighting these issues, policymakers have not paid attention.

as a result, the destruction of the environment and ecosystem continues across Dhaka and the country.

to what extent do you think global warming is responsible for Bangladesh’s rising temperatures, compared to internal causes? Both play a role. Let me start with global warming. Bangladesh has virtually no contribution to global warming, yet it is suffering its consequences to the fullest.

this is causing massive financial losses across sectors such as agriculture, health, and labor productivity. However, Bangladesh’s current situation owes more to internal mismanagement than to global causes.

air pollution here is far worse than in many other countries. Carbon dioxide and black carbon are major contributors to rising temperatures, and methane also plays a role.

in Bangladesh, black carbon is generated from the use of low-quality fuels and waste burning.

this could be reduced by using higher-quality fuels.

it should be noted that government action to phase out two-stroke engines significantly reduced black carbon pollution, especially in Dhaka. Currently, the concentration of black carbon in the air is 40-50 micrograms per cubic meter. Beijing in China once faced similarly severe black carbon pollution, but through coordinatedaction, they were able to reduce it to just 2-12 micrograms per cubic meter. Various studies have said that Bangladesh’s unplanned urbanization, especially the destruction of wetlands and greenery, has led to today’s situation. What is your view? Unplanned urbanization is continuing across the country.

in Dhaka and other cities, filling up wetlands to construct buildings, cutting down trees, and encroaching on surrounding water bodies have become a daily phenomenon. This trend, which has existed in the past, is still ongoing.

although laws exist against it, there is no initiative to enforce them.

especially to save the capital, it must be made mandatory to comply with all regulations before constructing new buildings.

theprecondition for establishing residential areas is that they must include lakes and water bodies, as well as open spaces and playgrounds.

if that can be ensured, it will be possible to control the trend of rising temperatures.

urban planners argue that Dhaka lacks building codes that allow for natural cooling.

as a result, buildings have become ‘heat boxes.’ The widespread use of air conditioners to cool them is contributing to the temperature rise. What do you say? The buildings being constructed today, in Dhaka and across the country, are not environmentally friendly.

their designs do not ensure natural airflow. Like in other countries, glass is being used extensively in building facades, but this is not environmentally appropriate at all.

as a result, these buildings have turned into ‘greenhouses’-essentially heat boxes.

to cool them down, artificial cooling systems are used. While they make the inside cooler, they release heat into the outside air, thereby contributing to the rising temperatures in Dhaka and other cities.

if you go back 40 years, the use of air conditioning in the country was very rare. But now, most commercial and residential buildings use air conditioning extensively. And people have little choice, since buildings are not designed to allow natural ventilation. This, in turn, contributes to rising temperatures. To generate the extra electricity required for this cooling, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing as well.

if strong measures are not taken to curb this trend in future construction, the situation will only get worse.

in several studies, you have shown that the failure to take consistent and appropriate steps to control air pollution has played a major role in the temperature rise. Can you explain this? Look, those of us engaged in research conduct surveys to reveal the real situation. Our studies show why this is happening and recommend ways out. But the responsibility to implement those recommendations lies with the state.

in other words, politicians who are in government must take this responsibility.

they need to formulate necessary policies and, more importantly, ensure their implementation.

the problem is not that the country lacks good policies.

there are good policies, and projects are taken under them. But implementation is very disappointing. Despite huge spending, there has been no success in reducing air pollution or temperature rise.

as I’ve said before, if Bangladesh were to use fuel to international standards, black carbon pollution could be reduced effectively. But whenever this issue comes up, we hear that the Eastern Refinery cannot supply such fuel.

then why is ERL not being made capable of doing so? We must remember: there is no alternative to reducing air pollution and curbing rising temperatures to protect people. So we need to adopt policies following the good examples set by the world. But policies alone are not enough-their implementation must also be ensured.

that is Bangladesh’s greatest challenge.

everyone knows that if no action is taken now, cities will soon become unlivable. What initiatives should the state take? With the national elections coming up, what kind of commitments should political parties make in their manifestos regarding protection from rising temperatures? You are right. Civil society must play its role by building public opinion and creating pressure.

each citizen must also commit to refraining from activities that increase pollution. But the main responsibility lies with politicians, those who will govern and work for public welfare.

that is why, ahead of the upcoming February elections, political parties must make clear declarations in their manifestos about reducing air pollution and preventing rising temperatures to ensure sustainable urbanization. But this should not be just words-they must also outline concrete action plans for how they intend to implement these promises.

that way, once they come to power, they can immediately begin work on

The government on 23 September approved a proposal in principle for procuring some 50,000 tonnes of gasoline to meet the growing demand for energy.

the approvals came from the 38th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. Following a proposal from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the meeting approved a proposal in principle for importing 50,000 tonnes of Gasoline 95 Unleaded (Octane) during July to December 2025 from PT Bumi Siak Pusako Zapin (BSP), Indonesia at a cost of Tk413.44 crore.