Category: Energy and Power

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.

The World Energy Council has announced a series of new appointments to its Board, following the official meeting of the Executive Assembly held in Panama City, at the commencement of World Energy Week 2025.

the Executive Assembly served as the formal commencement of H.E. Mr. Adnan Amin as the new Chair of the World Energy Council. A distinguished global leader in energy and international diplomacy, Mr.

amin brings extensive experience to the role, including as the founding Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and as Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Mr.

amin succeeds Mike Howard, who served as Chair of the Council from October 2022 to 2025, leading the organization through a period of evolution and expanding its intergenerational global impact.

the Council has also announced the appointment of Dr.

augustín Delgado Martín as Chair of Europe shortly before the Executive Assembly following a membership vote. Mr Delgado Martin, a Spanish national, is Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer for the Iberdrola Group. Patricia Vincent-Collawn, Chair and CEO of PNM Resources (USA), and Chair North America also steps down from the North America World Energy Council position having served a successful three-year term

Italy’s antitrust regulator said recently it has slapped Italian energy giant Eni and five other companies with fines totalling more than 936 million euros ($1.1 billion) for ‘restricting competition’ in the sale of fuel.

the authority said in a statement that Eni, Esso, Ip, Q8, Saras and Tamoil ‘coordinated to set the value of the bio component factored into fuel prices’, which tripled between 2019 and 2023.

a probe following a whistleblower’s complaint revealed that ‘the companies implemented parallel price increases – largely coinciding – which were driven by direct or indirect information exchanges among them’, the authority said. ‘The cartel began on 1 January 2020 and continued until 30 June 2023,’ it added.

eni expressed its ‘strongest disagreement and surprise’ over the ‘incomprehensible and unfounded’ accusations, saying it would take legal action.

the regulator’s case ‘ignores market logic and misrepresents the facts, taking legitimate communications related to mutual supply relationships between operators out of context,’ it said.

City Bank PLC, a private sector bank in Bangladesh, has secured a $75 million loan facility from two international development banks to boost private sector investment.

the loan deal was signed among the City Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the New Development Bank (NDB) to boost investment and sustainable infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

the total financing package includes $50 million from the AIIB and $25 million from the NDB.

the funds will be allocated for investment in Bangladesh’s private sector and key development areas, including power, energy efficiency, e-mobility, and digital infrastructure.

the bank officially announced the financing package on October 2, confirming the signing of the agreement with the international development institutions.

this loan is particularly significant as it is AIIB’s first on-lending facility in Bangladesh without a sovereign guarantee to a private commercial bank or institution. For City Bank, the facility is expected to catalyze private sector capital investment, create opportunities for long-term infrastructure lending, and support the implementation of crucial development projects across various sectors.

the management of City Bank expressed confidence that the partnership will significantly accelerate investment in renewable energy and infrastructure, which are vital for achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Compared with other fossil fuels, LPG is a much cleaner source of energy. That’s why, if Bangladesh is to achieve its goal of clean cooking for all by 2030, there is really no alternative to LPG. But the sector is now under immense strain after years of heavy investment. Many companies are already struggling, while others are on the brink of collapse.

to prevent further damage, the government needs to step in with low-cost financing to help stabilize the industry. Bringing LPG under the Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund could be a practical step toward easing the crisis.

it’s also worth noting that LPG is the only energy segment in Bangladesh that operates entirely without subsidies, a fact that deserves recognition and support.

these remarks were made by MD Abdur Razzaq, Founder and Managing Director of JMI Group, in an interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy and Power. Many believe that due to overinvestment in the country’s LPG sector, investors are now facing high risks. How do you view this situation, and what could be the way out of the crisis? You are absolutely right. When the government finalized the LPG policy, it did not exercise adequate caution.

under this policy, 59 companies were issued licenses. In contrast, India has licensed only four or five companies in its LPG sector. South Korea has just three, and Thailand has four. In Bangladesh’s small market, 29 operators are currently active, among which around 16-17 have already become sick. Many smaller companies, unable to sustain operations, have sold out to stronger ones.

it is also important to note that the LPG sector is the only energy subsector operating entirely without subsidies while regularly paying taxes and VAT to the government. Meanwhile, around 16 million tonnes of firewood are still being burned annually for cooking in the country. LPG is playing a vital role in replacing firewood as a competitive cooking fuel. Hence, government policy support is crucial for a sector that is now under severe financial strain. To make it clearer, LPG is a clean fuel compared to other fossil fuels. Globally, the sector receives financial incentives, whereas the situation is quite the opposite here.

the interest rate on our loans was previously 7-9%, but it has now risen to 14%, nearly doubling the cost of funds. Therefore, providing low-interest loans to this sector is essential. While LPG is a fossil fuel, it is globally recognized as a green cooking fuel because it replaces biomass and other polluting fuels.

the market in Bangladesh is also expanding. What policy support is needed to achieve the goal of ensuring safe cooking energy for all by 2030? You are absolutely correct. Given the current struggling condition of the LPG industry, if closures continue, Bangladesh will fail to meet the SDG target of ensuring clean cooking for all by 2030. Moreover, LPG is no longer used only for cooking, it is now being used in industries to overcome gas shortages and as an automotive fuel.

as I mentioned earlier, LPG has significantly reduced the use of firewood, thereby decreasing environmental pollution and health risks. Considering all these factors, LPG must be made eligible for financing under the Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund. What is the current level of investment in the country’s LPG sector? To the best of my knowledge, the total investment in this sector stands at Tk 35,000 crore, of which Tk 25,000 crore is bank loans.

the sector has expanded rapidly. Seven to eight years ago, monthly LPG imports were around 30,000-40,000 tonnes; now imports have risen to 150,000 tonnes per month. Operators claim they are not receiving fair prices for LPG, while the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) adjusts prices every month based on international rates.

on the other hand, consumer rights groups allege that you are being allowed to make excess profits. Where does the problem actually lie? With due respect, I disagree with the claim made by consumer rights groups.

the way prices are currently being determined, operators are actually incurring losses. We have explained this to BERC in detail through our association. You see, operators have to pay various institutional fees and government duties, while the cost of funds has also increased significantly.

unfortunately, BERC is not taking these factors into account.

a coordinated effort is needed to bring the regulation of the LPG sector under a single authority.

above all, price determination must be based on a comprehensive consideration of all relevant costs.

experts believe that continuous crossfilling is deceiving consumers, and there are allegations that some operators are involved as well. What can be done to stop this? Due to such practices, safety risks are also increasing. What is your opinion? This is indeed a very important issue. You see, a section of unscrupulous traders is engaged in cross-filling.

there are laws to prevent it, but enforcement is the responsibility of the administration.

on behalf of LOAB, we are continuously working to raise public awareness regarding safety and other issues. Operators, too, are taking steps from their side to promote awareness.

the challenge, however, is that the LPG market is very extensive.

oversight in this regard lies with the Department of Explosives.

unfortunately, they do not have enough manpower to monitor activities across the country. Police often say that even if someone is arrested for cross-filling, there is no clear legal provision for prosecution. Nevertheless, if the administration takes prompt action when such complaints arise, this problem will gradually decrease.

the allegation that some operators are directly involved in cross-filling is not entirely accurate.

an operator supplies bulk LPG to an autogas station, and crossfilling may occur at that stage. Currently, there are over 1,000 autogas stations in the country, but the number of vehicles using autogas is still low.

as a result, some stations may sell or divert bulk LPG for other uses.

therefore, the government should monitor how much LPG is being imported, where it is being distributed, and how it is being sold.

any violations should be dealt with under the law.

the gas crisis in the country is becoming increasingly severe.

experts suggest that the government should announce a timebound phase-out plan to replace CNG with autogas in vehicles. What is your opinion? This should definitely be done.

although LPG is more expensive than CNG, the government can create policies to gradually replace it.

the largest sector for such replacement should be the residential sector, which currently consumes about 200 MMCFD of natural gas.

a time-bound plan should be implemented to replace residential natural gas use with LPG. The LPG sector is replacing firewood use, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering health risks.

it also contributes to reducing air pollution.

in that case, why can’t this sector access Bangladesh Bank’s Green Fund facilities? LOAB has already requested that the LPG sector be included under the Green Banking Scheme.

at present, only renewable energy and sustainable development projects are eligible for financing from this fund. However, the LPG sector plays a major role in reducing air pollution, minimizing firewood burning, and promoting clean cooking solutions. We hope that the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank will consider our request favorably. The LPG sector is almost entirely driven by private investment, yet it remains trapped under various government regulations and approval processes.

investors often have to visit multiple agencies for permits. What policy reforms do you think are needed to simplify the process? LOAB has been in continuous discussion with relevant ministries and departments about this issue.

operators have already presented their challenges to the authorities, and they have assured us that steps will be taken to address them. However, the progress is very slow, and it needs to be accelerated.

the country’s annual LPG demand is currently 1.8 million tonnes, and some estimate it could reach 10 million tonnes by 2040. What steps should be taken to ensure sustainable market growth? The market will certainly move in that direction, as LPG is both readily available and a clean fuel. With the current infrastructure, the sector can handle importation, bottling, and distribution for up to a 7-million-tonne market. However, the government must provide policy support, especially through access to low-cost financing, to sustain and strengthen this industry.

the price of LPG is about 30% higher than LNG. Given this reality, how do you view the prospects of increasing LPG use in industries? Due to subsidies, the cost of piped natural gas is lower than LPG. However, since industries cannot access piped gas, they are compelled to use LPG to keep operations running. Despite higher prices, industries are maintaining productivity and absorbing the cost difference to continue using LPG.

A woman who sustained severe burn injuries in a gas line explosion in Mohammadpur’s Dhaka Udyan area recently has died while undergoing treatment.

the victim, Parul Akter, 32, succumbed to her injuries at the Female High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the institute, confirmed her death and said Parul had suffered burns over approximately 22 percent of her body, including inhalation injuries. Parul was rushed to the hospital’s emergency department shortly after the incident

Ten cargo loads of LNG reached Bangladesh as part of government procurement process for September to meet demands for the liquefied gas, officials said.

officials at the state-run Petrobangla said that in line with the government’s long and short term agreements with overseas LNG producers and on the spot procurement policy the 10 LNG filled cargoes were received in September.

of the cargos QatarEnergy provided four cargos under a long term agreement, Oman’s OQ Trading (OQT) supplied two — one under long term and one under short term agreements. Four other LNG filled cargos were procured from spot market to ensure smooth energy supply in the country while the government procured 11 LNG cargos having around 3.65 crore MMBTu in August.

according to routine practices the government approves LNG procurement decisions in weekly meetings reviewing the liquefied gas demands.

Bangladesh is entering a defining decade.

the choices made today will determine whether the country leads its own clean energy transition or gets trapped in a spiral of debt while chasing climate goals set on someone else’s terms.

emission forecasting should be based on electricity consumption (GWh), not just installed renewable capacity (MW), as actual emissions depend on the amount of energy generated and used. MW capacity reflects potential, but without accounting for utilization rates and demand-side consumption, the forecast risks underestimating or overstating emissions.

that’s why using GWh aligns projections with real energy use patterns, enabling more accurate links between renewable integration, fossil displacement, and emissions reduction. n The grid EF falls with stronger conditional uptake: 570 ? 322 kg/ MWh at Conditional in 2030, and to 69 kg/MWh at Ideal (Net Zero). n Reduction (2030) rises roughly monotonically with the different Scenario level: 5.4 Mt (10%) ? 58.3 Mt (Conditional) ? 100.3 Mt (Ideal). n Low-carbon share (RE + imports/ nuclear) rises from 20% in BAU2030 to 45.9% under Conditional to 85.9 under Ideal. Our ambition is not in question. Bangladesh has made commitments under NDC 3.0: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21.8% by 2030 and generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources. We have the potential to install 24,106 MW of renewable energy plants, if funds are received under a conditional scenario. But the way these ambitions are financed will shape not only the future of our energy sector, but also our economic sovereignty.

a Price Tag That Demands Honesty The government’s official NDC 3.0 submission to the UNFCCC sets the cost of achieving its climate targets at USD 143 billion by 2030.

of this, only USD 34 billion is expected to be mobilized domestically; USD 109 billion would come from international partners, mostly through conditional finance. New analysis from Change Initiative (2025) shows the real requirement is likely to exceed USD 160 billion, especially in energy, transport, and adaptation infrastructure.

energy alone will consume close to 40% of total financing needs.

this means USD 35-42 billion must be mobilized for renewable energy generation and grid integration by 2040.

the technology trends are encouraging, solar PV andwind costs continue to fall, but financing patterns are not.

the Debt Spiral Beneath the Transition Bangladesh’s energy transition is being financed largely through loans.

according to the Climate Debt Risk Index 2025, the national climate finance debt-to-grant ratio is already 2.7, among the highest globally.

in the energy sector, it jumps to 11.99, meaning nearly all climate-related energy investments are debt-financed. Between FY2015 and FY2023, Bangladesh received USD 4.6 billion in energy sector climate finance. More than 90% came as loans, not grants. Worse, nearly 19% (USD 880 million) of that money financed fossil fuel projects, misclassified as ‘climate finance.’ This distorts climate accounts and inflates the debt burden for future generations.

the current model is financially unsustainable and environmentally contradictory.

it locks the country into long-term repayment cycles while undermining its clean energy goals. Reclaiming Energy Sovereignty Through Natural Rights We cannot build a just energy transition on a mountain of debt.

a Natural Rightsbased economic pathway provides an alternative: anchor financing in justice, equity, and community stewardship, not extractive lending. Three steps are critical: 1. Grant-First Climate Finance Developed countries must deliver their fair share through grants, not loans, for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage.

this is a climate justice obligation, not charity. 2. Bangladesh Natural Rights Fund (BNRF) Building on the BCCTF, this new mechanism can pool carbon levies, pollution taxes, zakat, and philanthropic funds to support community-led solar, wind, and offgrid systems.

this shifts the balance of power away from top-down lending to bottom-up ownership. 3. Legal and Governance Reform Recognizing energy as a natural right enables regulatory reform that can phase out fossil finance, support community cooperatives, and prioritize distributed renewables. Renewables: The Engine for Prosperity 2050 This is not just about climate targets.

a renewable-powered Bangladesh can: n Cut import bills and reduce exposure to volatile fossil markets. n Create sustainable, decent jobs, particularly in disaster-prone rural areas. n Strengthening local economies through community cooperatives. n Expand reliable access to clean power. n Protect ecosystems while driving economic prosperity. By 2050, renewable energy can form the backbone of a sovereign, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy. What Must Change n Replace loan-heavy climate finance with grant-based and solidarity funding. n Legally exclude fossil fuel projects from climate finance portfolios. n Establish the BNRF to anchor domestic financing capacity. n Mobilize domestic resources through carbon as well as pollution tax, green levies, debt-for-nature swap finance, philanthropies, e.g., zakat, waqf, CSR. n Empower cooperatives and local governments to own and operate energy infrastructure. n Link climate finance flows to natural rights-led governance (NRLG) standards.

a Defining National Choice Bangladesh stands at a fork in the road. One path leads to rising debt, fossil lock-in, and weakened fiscal sovereignty.

the other leads to renewable energy sovereignty, built on grants, rights, and community power.

the international system owes Bangladesh climate finance that is fair and grant-based. But the leadership to shape that future must come from within, through reform, innovation, and rights-based governance. By 2050, Bangladesh can shift from being one of the world’s most climatevulnerable nations to a model of rightsbased climate leadership.

the choice is ours to make.

At a pivotal moment for the global economy, the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2025 brought together more than 1,000 global leaders to advance action on inclusive economic growth, responsible technology, humanitarian crises, and climate change.

the leaders include 70 top government officials, 22 heads of international organizations, 500 business executives, and 125 representatives from civil society. Held alongside the United Nations General Assembly and Global Goals Week, the meetings took place amid strained multilateralism, with only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track for achievement by 2030. Building on the Forum’s track record of connecting leaders to catalyze action, it provided a critical platform for collaboration to shape more inclusive and resilient outcomes for people, the planet, and economies. ‘We need to develop systems that foster both business and societal well-being, alongside ecological health,’ said André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman, Roche Holding, and Interim Co-Chair, World Economic Forum. ‘There is no prosperity without humanity, and there is no time like the present to find ways to protect sustainability and inclusive growth.’ ‘At a crucial moment when our planet is facing complex challenges, we need to build resilience to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all,’ added Børge Brende, President and CEO, World Economic Forum. ‘Humanitarian funding across the world is frankly running out.

at the same time, we’re seeing huge numbers of people who need humanitarian assistance, whether it’s in places like Ukraine or Gaza or the Democratic Republic of Congo,’ said Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). ‘The need is at a scale we’ve never seen before. So there’s just a tension between resources available and people who need them.’ ‘In 10 years, there will be a mushrooming of alternatives, where you will have these regional and like-minded groups working together on different kinds of projects.

it could be connectivity, climate, energy, or regional finance and development ideas,’ said Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation.

the meetings featured the release of key insights, including the Chief Economists’ Outlook and reports on scaling carbon capture, managing climate-health risks to the economy, and reducing the carbon footprint of digital trade.

online sessions complemented high-level dialogues anchored in the Forum’s communities of purpose, covering geopolitics, US policy perspectives, the energy transition, growth under pressure, climate resilience, and restoring trust amid the rapid rise of frontier technologies.

the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) explored cooperative pathways on global security, geo-economics, and frontier technologies in a shifting geopolitical era. Geopolitics and Humanitarian Resilience In an era of shifting alliances, volatile economic policies, and weakening multilateralism, sessions focused on steps to strengthen global security and stability. ‘The United Nations General Assembly comes at a time when intense pressure is bearing down on the world’s aid and development architecture.

this is no moment for short-term fixes,’ said Sheba Crocker, Managing Director, the World Economic Forum. ‘Leaders must seize the opportunity to rebuild for the long term, and this means bottom-up rethinking that creates real change.’ ‘We, as Somalis, are now a bit surprised by the increased level of uncertainty in geopolitics,’ said Saleh Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia. ‘We are firm believers in multilateralism, and we hope that multilateralism and a rulesbased world order will be to the benefit of all.’ ‘We might actually walk ourselves back to the brink of great power conflict if we are not talking about and managing all of these challenges together,’ said Victoria Nuland, Professor of Practice of International Diplomacy, Columbia University.

inclusive Economic Growth The latest edition of the World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists’ Outlook warned of weak growth and systemic disruption, with long-term shifts in trade, technology, resources, and institutions, signaling the arrival of a new economic environment; global debt is forecasted to reach 100% of global GDP by the end of the decade.

the Forum also launched The Trade and Labor Pathways for Decent Work in Kenya’s Digital Economy report, which explores how domestic legislation, business practices, trade policy, and investment frameworks can be leveraged to address labor challenges in the digital economy.

in addition, a newly released white paper provides insights on the urgent need to retain, upskill, and reskill talent in a rapidly digitalizing world. ‘The contours of a new economic environment are already taking shape, defined by disruption across trade, technology, resources, and institutions,’ said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, the World Economic Forum. ‘Leaders must adapt with urgency and collaboration to turn today’s turbulence into tomorrow’s resilience.’ ‘In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, business leaders can be catalysts for action around shared priorities across geographies and disciplines.

they can forge practical partnerships and unlock innovation to address real-world needs and drive inclusive prosperity,’ said Mirek Dušek, Managing Director and Chief Business Officer, World Economic Forum. ‘When G7 economies do not grow as fast, the rest of the world takes a bit of a hit,’ said Vera Songwe, Chairperson and Founder, Liquidity and Sustainability Facility. ‘There is a global collective going in the right direction. Growth and development are not linear.

out of difficulty comes good suggestions and solutions.’ ‘In the next five years, the biggest challenge I think will be the geopolitical tensions. We have to be ready for everything that can happen, which means we have to be prepared, flexible, agile, and resilient,’ said Ebru Özdemir, Chairperson of the Board, Limak Holding. ‘I always say that the last 100 meters of the race is a determining factor, and you have to be really running and you should never stop – all of us should be ready to win the race in the last 100 meters.’ ‘Climate change is driving a profound transformation in the world of work. By equipping people with the in-demand green skills needed for emerging and evolving roles in fields like supply chain and manufacturing, we can unlock economic opportunity, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in a more sustainable future,’ said Allen Blue, Co-Founder and Vice-President, Products, LinkedIn. Climate, Energy and Health Amid intensifying environmental and economic pressures – from escalating extreme weather events to ecosystem degradation affecting 3.2 billion people – discussions among the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders and other leaders focused on innovative investment models and cross-sector strategies to scale naturepositive solutions for growth, resilience, and innovation. Sessions also addressed the global energy landscape, reshaped by geopolitical unpredictability, shifting market dynamics, and uncertainty around climate ambitions.

the Circular Economy Community emphasized the role of business leadership in advancing global collaboration on materials. Members underscored the needfor shared standards and material data exchange across value chains to track progress in reducing material footprints, strengthening supply chain resilience, and improving sustainability amid rising geoeconomic competition. A white paper estimated that the health impacts of climate change could cost the global economy at least $1.5 trillion in lost productivity by 2050.

additionally, the carbon capture and utilization report revealed how the carbon abatement approach could enable industries to transform captured CO2 into sustainable fuels, chemicals, and building materials.

at the meeting, nine winners of Uplink’s Nature Returns Challenge, which seeks early-stage investors transforming capital deployment for nature, were announced. The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) also announced 10 winners of its Inclusive Plastic Action Program 2025, tackling plastic pollution.

the Dominican Republic unveiled its National Plastic Action Roadmap, supported by the GPAP, which sets a path to 53% circularity and 87% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040.

the report on Asia’s carbon markets delved into opportunities, challenges, and best practices for leveraging carbon markets to accelerate the green transition across Asia. Board Members of the Global Alliance for Women’s Health gathered to define pathways to deliver impact at global and country levels, including addressing breast and cervical cancer in Kenya, maternal health challenges in Nigeria, and scaling innovations tailored to women’s health needs globally.

the community welcomed Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry as the public ambassador to the board to continue driving the impact of the alliance and improving health outcomes for women.

a white paper on finance solutions for nature guides 10 consolidated financial solutions available to mobilize capital for nature.

the Water Futures Community endorsed a joint roadmap for investment and partnership towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, committing to private sectorled initiatives and basin-level action to accelerate global water resilience. ‘Ten years on from the adoption of the SDGs, the vision of improving lives everywhere in harmony with our planet is under unprecedented strain.

their creation was a milestone of global unity which stands in stark contrast to today’s more divided world,’ said Sebastian Buckup, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. ‘I’m excited to partner with the World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Women’s Health in our shared fight for the health of women in midlife and beyond. We will advocate together to close systemic gaps in knowledge, care, and treatment, working towards a future where women everywhere have access to evidence-based menopausal healthcare.

together, our future can – and will – be brighter,’ said Halle Berry, acclaimed actress, director, producer, advocate, and entrepreneur. ‘This is the most important letter we have from the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, and this year we are zooming in on asking government leaders to help us remove the roadblocks for us to achieve a climatesmart economy,’ said Jesper Brodin, Chief Executive Officer, INGKA Group | IKEA. ‘Climate smart means resource and cost smart, and there are opportunities in the new economy,’ he said. ‘Historically, wars were fought over salt, until there came the advent of refrigeration.

it’s not that the world doesn’t use salt anymore; we actually use more of it, but because of technology now, there isn’t such a strong hold,’ said Rebecca Boudreaux, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oberon Fuels. ‘It’s the same thing with oil.

it’s not that we’re getting off oil. It’s about the diversification and having other options and breaking the stronghold of oil by having more options.’ ‘The issue of affordability and the issue of energy security in these volatile geopolitical times have become even stronger,’ said Sumant Sinha, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, ReNew. ‘Those are actually driving the energy transition, if anything, in other parts of the world even faster.’ ‘There is no manageable climate future unless we phase out fossil fuels, remove carbon, and come back into the safe space of the planetary boundaries. We need the planet to help us continue buffering, so that we can come back after overshoot,’ said Johan Rockström, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

technology and Innovation As frontier technologies rapidly advance, discussions focus on building trust, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring that technologies are deployed responsibly. The Forum announced the addition of 12 new innovative industrial sites to the Global Lighthouse Network, as they leverage digital technologies to deliver outstanding results in productivity, supplychain resilience, talent, sustainability, and customer focus.

this brought the network to 201 leading production facilities and value chains.

the Human-Machine Collaboration initiative was launched during the meeting, introducing a framework for human-centric intelligent operations that boost productivity and empower workers. ‘Building foundational models takes a tremendous amount of capital. We are fortunate in the US to have a handful of companies with that profile. However, many of the benefits are also going to come from smaller developers,’ said Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta Platforms. ‘That’s one of the reasons we open-sourced Llama, giving opportunities for developers to build more functions and features on top of it.’ ‘The technology becomes less available to citizens, consumers, and constituents if the regulatory framework isn’t enabling and encouraging companies, or whoever has the best technology, to deploy in that region,’ said Sebastian Niles, President and Chief Legal Officer, Salesforce

Energy security is often described as the lifeblood of a nation. Without a stable supply of fuel, no society can secure education, healthcare, food, or housing. For Bangladesh, as for many other countries, energy is inseparable from national security.

the question before us today is not whether LPG matters, but whether we are prepared to manage it wisely and sustainably. LPG’s Proven Role in Global Energy Security Around the world, diverse fuels-coal, liquid fuel, solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery-backed power-have been explored. Yet none have fully guaranteed energy security in the way LPG has. Over the last 50 to 70 years, LPG has consistently provided stability, especially across South and Southeast Asia.

in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, LPG is now widely accepted as a household and industrial fuel.

in Bangladesh, LPG consumption has grown rapidly, now reaching about 1.3- 1.5 million tonnes annually, with the potential to expand to 3 million tonnes in the near future.

this growth is not a luxury-it is a necessity.

the government cannot indefinitely rely on subsidized natural gas and LNG, which still demand heavy subsidies even when sold at a mixed price.

if even a fraction of these subsidies were redirected to LPG, rural and western regions-areas excluded from pipeline gas-would experience far stronger energy security.

the Missing Piece: A Long-Term Policy While Bangladesh has a basic LPG policy, it lacks a comprehensive longterm roadmap.

energy security cannot be left to short-term improvisation. Such a strategy must cover the entire supply chain: import facilities, bottling, distribution, retail, and consumer usage. It must set enforceable safety standards and create an investment-friendly framework aligned with international practices.

this cannot be achieved in isolation.

the government must sit with stakeholders- industry operators, regulators, and consumer representatives-to design a policy that is forward-looking, structured, and globally credible. have maintained strong records, accidents occur at the consumer end, caused by faulty valves, poor-quality piping, and user error.

the problem is compounded by a lack of awareness. Many households simply do not know how to safely turn LPG on or off, and this ignorance has led to avoidable tragedies.

even more alarming is the rampant practice of cross-filling-an illegal, unsafe, and short-sighted activity that continues openly.

this is not just a regulatory lapse; it is a looming disaster. A single explosion could wipe out lives and investment confidence in one stroke. Unless the government cracks down decisively on cross-filling and holds violators accountable, the future of the sector will remain fragile. Pricing: Stability Requires Partnership Price control is another major issue.

in neighboring India, subsidies ensure that LPG is affordable for ordinary households. Bangladesh, by contrast, imposes taxes and VAT, making LPG more expensive while leaving private operators to subsidize consumers from their own pockets.

this imbalance is unsustainable.

at present, prices are regulated under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) guidelines. While this framework has so far been accepted, it cannot remain static.

an annual joint review between BERC and the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) should be institutionalized. Such coordination would allow adjustments to reflect global price shifts while ensuring that both consumers and investors are protected. Consumer Protection and Awareness Long-term planning must go beyond infrastructure.

it must address the human side of energy security. Bottling plants may remain accident-free, but the last mile is where danger lies. Without robust safety education, consumers will continue to bear unnecessary risks.

a national safety policy, developed with joint input from consumers and suppliers, is urgently required. Public campaigns must teach safe handling practices, while suppliers must be held accountable for quality valves, piping, and installation. Investment in distribution networks must be matched by investment in trust, knowledge, and consumer confidence. LPG in the Age of Renewables Some argue that LPG is not renewable and therefore not part of the future.

this is shortsighted. LPG may not be solar or wind, but it is a relatively clean fuel compared to coal and heavy oils.

in Bangladesh, renewable energy production remains minimal: solar is far below targets, wind contributes almost nothing, and hydropower provides only about 60 megawatts. Nuclear is emerging, but slowly.

until these sources scale up, LPG will remain a transitional fuel-bridging the gap between immediate needs and a renewable future.

to make this transition just and inclusive, Bangladesh must reform VAT and taxation, introduce targeted subsidies for low-income households (modeled after India’s Aadhaar-linked system), and ensure that no region is left behind.

a Call to Action The path forward is clear. Bangladesh must: l Enforce safety standards, with zero tolerance for cross-filling. l Reform tax and VAT policies to lower consumer costs. l Redirect subsidies from LNG toward LPG for rural energy security. l Institutionalize annual price reviews with BERC and LOAB. l Launch national safety campaigns to empower consumers. l Promote energy efficiency alongside expansion.

energy security is not simply about fuel.

it is about dignity, stability, and opportunity. Bangladesh cannot afford a piecemeal approach.

a long-term, inclusive LPG policy is no longer optional-it is essential.

if policymakers act with urgency and vision, LPG will not only meet today’s demand but also secure tomorrow’s promise: a nation where every household, rich or poor, urban or rural, enjoys the stability and safety of reliable energy.