Category: Energy and Power

Petroliam Nasional Bhd.and JERA Co.Inc.

have signed a new long-term LNG supply agreement, extending one of Asia’s longest-standing LNG partnerships into the 2040s.

State-owned Petronas, through its wholly owned subsidiary Petronas LNG Ltd.

(PLL), will supply up to 2 million tonnes/year (tpy) of LNG over 20 years starting in 2028, primarily sourced from Malaysia.

The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2025 to expand collaboration across the LNG value chain.

Petronas is a core supplier to Japan, one of the world’s largest LNG importers.

Malaysia shipped its first LNG cargo to Japan in 1983.

LNG will be delivered using Petronas’ new generation of 174,000-cu-m LNG carriers, designed to comply with the International Maritime Organization’s enhanced emissions standards.

A two-day high – level strategic roundtable on nuclear energy was held in I shwardi , Pabna, to strengthen Bangladesh’s long – term nuclear power programme, governance, policy preparedness and national stakeholder engagement.

The discussion, titled ‘High-Level Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh’s Path Forward’, was held on 12 and 13 June 2026 at Swapnadweep Resort in Green City, Ishwardi, says a press release.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology jointly organized the roundtable with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain chaired the event

The Green Pivot examines Bangladesh’s draft National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026-2030), which aims to generate 20 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The strategy proposes adding more than 10,000 MW of renewable capacity through private investment, fi nancial incentives, and policy reforms.

While experts welcome its ambitious vision, they caution that success will depend on effective implementation, stronger governance, improved grid infrastructure, and sustained investor confi dence to deliver a secure and affordable clean energy transition.

Bangladesh is preparing for its most ambitious renewable energy expansion yet.

Through the draft National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026-2030), the government aims to reshape the country’s energy landscape by signifi cantly expanding renewable electricity generation, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and strengthening longterm energy security.

If successfully implemented, the strategy could mark a turning point in Bangladesh’s transition toward a cleaner and more resilient power system.

Prepared by the Power Division following recommendations from a governmentappointed committee, the draft strategy supports the country’s commitment under the Renewable Energy Policy 2025 to generate 20 percent of total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.

The document has been opened for stakeholder consultation until July 6, with a fi nal review meeting scheduled for July 7 before formal approval.

A Bold Expansion Plan At the heart of the strategy is an ambitious target to add approximately 10,450 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, increasing Bangladesh’s total installed renewable capacity to between 12,000 MW and 14,000 MW.

Recognizing that public resources alone cannot fi nance such an expansion, the government intends to rely heavily on private sector participation.

To encourage investment, the strategy proposes fi nancial incentives, easier access to fi nancing, sovereign payment guarantees, and the establishment of a Renewable Energy Development Fund.

Solar power will remain the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition.

The strategy envisions installing: 5,500 MW of rooftop solar systems; 4,500 MW of utility-scale groundmounted solar plants; and Around 500 MW from wind, floating solar, and waste-to-energy projects.

Given Bangladesh’s limited land availability, rooftop solar has been identifi ed as the most practical option for rapid expansion.

Meeting Rising Electricity Demand Bangladesh’s growing economy continues to drive higher electricity consumption.

Government projections indicate that peak electricity demand will reach between 24,000 MW and 25,000 MW by 2030, while annual electricity consumption is expected to rise to approximately 135,000 gigawatthours (GWh).

Meeting the Renewable Energy Policy target means renewable sources must generate around 27,000 GWh of electricity annually by 2030-compared with only about 2,300 GWh today.

Achieving that objective will require a dramatic increase in renewable electricity generation over the next fi ve years.

Energy economist Engr.

Shafi qul Alam welcomed the strategy’s decision to defi ne targets in terms of electricity generation rather than installed capacity.

According to him, measuring renewable energy by actual electricity produced provides a far clearer picture of the amount of installed capacity Bangladesh must build to meet its 2030 target.

Current Progress According to the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), Bangladesh currently has more than 1,800 MW of installed renewable energy capacity, including over 1,500 MW of solar power and approximately 230 MW of hydropower.

Industry sources, however, estimate that total installed renewable capacity has already exceeded 2,000 MW because rooftop solar installations under the net-metering system remain signifi cantly underreported.

Private sector estimates suggest rooftop solar

Rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and surging energy demand are fragmenting the global energy transition and slowing progress toward cleaner, more secure energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Energy Transition Index 2026, released in collaboration with Accenture.

The report says that despite record global energy investment of $3.3 trillion in 2025, including $2.3 trillion in clean energy, progress has stalled as energy security concerns, infrastructure bottlenecks and fi nancing challenges continue to hinder the transition.

WEF noted that recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have further exposed the vulnerability of global energy systems, particularly for import-dependent emerging economies, highlighting the need for more resilient and diversifi ed energy supplies.

According to the index, overall energy transition performance remained largely unchanged over the past year, with declines in energy security and transition readiness offsetting gains in sustainability.

While around 60% of countries improved their overall scores, only one in four achieved balanced progress across energy security, sustainability and equity

Bangladesh is entering the new fi nancial year under intense fi scal strain.

With government spending consistently outstripping domestic revenue, the country has become heavily reliant on domestic and foreign debt.

In the fi scal year 2026-27 (FY27) alone, the government is projected to spend nearly Tk 4.35 trillion on servicing existing debt (principal and interest) without taking on any fresh loans.

This mounting debt burden coincides with a critical juncture for the nation’s energy sector.

Navigating geopolitical instability and domestic supply chain ineffi ciencies, Bangladesh is attempting to guarantee energy security while transitioning to renewable energy.

While tightening fi scal space threatens to limit investments in green infrastructure, the proposed FY27 budget signals a notable policy shift, placing a stronger emphasis on cleaner energy alternatives and domestic gas over imported fossil fuels.

LNG and Coal Expansion Shape Energy Sector Allocation Shift The proposed budget allocates Tk 173.45 billion to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, which is 2.3% higher than the revised budget for FY26.

However, the sector’s share in the total national budget has decreased from 2.15% to 1.85%.

The Power Division has been allocated Tk 149.96 billion in FY27, down 3.9% from the revised FY26 budget, while development expenditure has declined to Tk 149.39 billion, a 3.8% decrease.

However, the Annual Development Program (ADP) allocation has increased to 18.7% from the revised FY26 allocation, despite the number of projects falling from 45 to 35.

This suggests the government is prioritizing a smaller number of strategic projects and concentrating resources on them, reflecting both fi scal constraints and an effort to improve project implementation effi ciency in the power sector.

Conversely, the Energy Division’s FY27 allocation shows a strong expansionary push, rising 72% to Tk 23.49 billion.

This is driven mainly by a 76% increase in development spending, alongside a 52.8% rise in ADP allocation, while the number of projects increases from 17 to 19.

Operational expenditure rises modestly by 9.2% to Tk 950 million.

The energy sector’s ADP allocation was increased because domestic gas exploration was in major focus, receiving a 39.7% extended allocation in FY27 compared to the revised allocation for FY26.

In addition, the government plans to increase domestic coal production to reduce reliance on imported energy, targeting 600,000 tonnes of coal and 1.4 million tonnes of stone next fi scal year.

Projects at Barapukuria and Dighipara are advancing.

An additional LNG terminal is also planned at Moheshkhali and Matarbari.

This fossil-heavy strategy risks delaying energy transition and increasing long-term import vulnerability signifi cantly.

Despite these adjustments, no major structural shift is seen in the power and energy sector in the FY27 ADP.

The sector remains highly concentrated, with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant alone absorbing 47.4 percent of its total allocation.

This shows persistent reliance on a single mega-project, limiting diversifi cation and crowding out broader energy transition investments like renewables and grid upgrades.

Dr.

Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), noted that the power and energy sector is currently going through a multi-dimensional crisis due to over-reliance on imported energy, global geopolitical uncertainties, and weak domestic supply systems.

Fiscal and Financial Measures: Green Incentives vs.

Fossil Fuel Continuity The FY27 budget provides strong fi scal incentives to support clean energy and electric mobility, alongside several measures that continue to favor conventional energy sources.

For clean energy, a zero percent tax rate will apply to the solar power sector until 2035, and import duty, regulatory duty, supplementary duty, and advance tax (AT) on essential solar-power components are proposed to be zero, effective up to June 30, 2031.

Furthermore, consumers will get a 5 % tax rebate on payments made against their solar electricity bills.

For electric mobility and storage, electric vehicles (EVs) and EV parts manufacturing enjoy full duty exemptions, while local EV assemblers benefi t from tiered exemptions based on value addition.

Battery manufacturing, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and battery packs, is also exempted until 2030, aiming to build a domestic supply chain.

However, the budget also accommodates substantial fossil fuel protections and subsidies.

The FY27 budget proposes Tk 370 billion for electricity, compared to the revised allocation of Tk 360 billion in FY26, mainly to make up for the Bangladesh Power Development Board’s (BPDB) losses from electricity purchases from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), rental, and quick rentals.

Due to the war, an additional Tk 111.70 billion may be required in the LNG sector on top of the initial Tk 60 billion allocation, and about Tk 102.58 billion may be required for petroleum oil, even after domestic oil prices were increased twice.

Tax rates are also being lowered for conventional players; the withholding tax rate on payments for electricity purchased from power generation companies will be reduced from 4% to 3%, directly benefi ting generation companies but causing a national revenue loss, while the withholding tax rate on the supply of fuel oil by refi neries drops from 1.5% to 1%.

Crucially, concessionary duty benefi ts on coal imports by power plants will be extended until June 30, 2030, which is strictly contradictory to the country’s energy transition goals.

The Critique: Structural Biases and the CAPEX Gap Despite these policy announcements, analysts and sector representatives highlight a signifi cant mismatch between long-term transition goals and fi scal execution.

The FY27 ADP allocation shows a continued structural bias toward fossil fuels, with fossil-fuelbased generation projects accounting for nearly 98% of generation-sector ADP allocations, compared with only 2.0% for renewable energy.

Allocations for transmission projects have also declined, despite the stated objective of modernizing the national grid.

Amid exacerbating energy security and mounting import bills, Bangladesh unveiled the budget, announcing conditional incentives, i.e., reduced duties, for particularly rooftop solar projects under the OPEX model.

The VATcompliant companies, like industries, can also enjoy the benefi ts.

The government further added conditions precedent, i.e., submission of PPA and a certifi ed copy of technical aspects from the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), to avail the reduced duties.

Under the newly announced duties, industries or other entities will be able to buy solar energy at a reduced rate under the OPEX model compared to the high import duties scenario.

They can further procure solar energy for evening application supported by Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under the OPEX model at a cheaper rate now.

As EPC companies will likely receive a tax waiver for selling solar energy, and industries/relevant entities will enjoy 5% reduction in bills for using solar energy under the OPEX model, there is a potential for an accelerated deployment of rooftop solar within the selected group of entities.

However, Bangladesh needs to create a level playing fi eld for its energy transition, which posits the need for providing incentives to other entities under the CAPEX model, too.

Shafi qul Alam, IEEFA’s Lead Analyst, Energy, for Bangladesh, said the government’s support for developing a local manufacturing ecosystem for battery storage has the potential to signifi cantly contribute to the power and EV sectors.

Given that a signifi cant quantity of diesel is used in heavy-duty vehicles, a waiver for charging stations and a reduced duty for electric buses and trucks will likely help transform the transport sector gradually and reduce the country’s dependence on diesel’.

The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) also warned that the current Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) framework and budget measures for renewable energy are too narrowly designed, largely benefi ting a limited set of RESCObased and project-linked models rather than the broader distributed solar market.

The association warned that this risks excluding key stakeholders such as importers, EPC companies, distributors, and especially residential, agricultural, and small commercial users.

BSREA president Mostafa Al Mahmud emphasized that if the current SRO framework remains in place, it will not be possible to achieve the target of 10,000 MWp of solar power capacity by 2030, as development may be limited to a maximum of 2,000 to 3,000 MWp.

He stated that renewable energy is not a special benefi t for a particular business group, but rather an important strategy for national energy security, foreign exchange savings, increasing industrial competitiveness, and implementing climate commitments, underscoring that the policy framework should be structured on the principle of ‘Renewable Energy for All, Not for a Few.’ Rising Contingent Liabilities: Hidden Fiscal Risks Government guarantees in Bangladesh, which represent contingent liabilities, are estimated at and account for 42.8 percent of the FY27 budget defi cit.

This indicates a signifi cant concentration of fi scal risk outside the formal budget framework, with the energy and power sectors remaining the dominant recipients of these sovereign guarantees.

In the energy sector, government guarantees rose from Tk 49.28 billion in FY24 to Tk 76.61 billion in FY25 and further to Tk 76.94 billion in FY26, before easing slightly to Tk 67.86 billion in FY27.

In contrast, the power sector shows a different trajectory, with guarantees increasing from Tk 51.49 billion in FY24 to Tk 53.59 billion in FY25, remaining relatively stable at Tk 53.07 billion in FY26, and then declining sharply to Tk 34.70 billion in FY27.

This divergence suggests a shifting pattern of hidden fi scal exposure.

While energy-related guarantees remain structurally elevated, power sector liabilities are contracting sharply, possibly due to repayments, reclassifi cation, or a shift away from guarantee-based fi nancing.

Nevertheless, the overall scale of these guarantees highlights a continued reliance on sovereign backing, keeping substantial fi scal risks embedded in contingent liabilities rather than headline defi cit fi gures.

Policy Recommendations for a Pragmatic Transition To rectify the current imbalances and meet climate targets, targeted modifi cations should be adopted in Bangladesh’s fi nancial framework.

The government has indicated plans to reduce the total subsidy burden in the upcoming years by rationalizing electricity subsidies.

However, subsidy reforms must not transfer additional costs to consumers via upward tariff revisions; instead, the government should address internal sectoral ineffi ciencies and gradually phase out costly capacity-payment arrangements associated with fossil-fuel-based power generation.

Furthermore, Bangladesh should shift to a flexible, component-based zero-tariff system to ease access for end-users, as current solar incentive rules remain overly complex despite ISO alignment.

Finally, targeted subsidies are essential for solar irrigation farmers, and the FY2026-27 budget should introduce dedicated green grants for renewables, smart grids, EVs, and wider energy transition support to ensure a decisive shift in national development priorities.

‘While the govt’s measures are appreciable, the impact would be broader if it could consider an all-inclusive approach, i.e., benefi ts to projects under both OPEX and CAPEX models.

Otherwise, for instance, rural people may not receive the benefi ts of reduced duties on solar accessories, Alam added.

The government has shown interest in moving beyond conventional fossil fuel-based solutions and giving more importance to renewable energy, which can be considered a positive development, Dr.

Moazzem added.

Global primary energy demand is projected to increase by 23% between 2025 and 2050, driven mainly by population growth, urbanization , and economic expansion in developing countries, according to OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2026.

The report forecasts global energy demand rising from 312 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (mboe/d) in 2025 to nearly 383 mboe/d by 2050.

Most of the growth is expected to come from India, other Asian economies, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Despite rapid expansion in renewable energy, OPEC projects that oil will remain the world’s largest energy source, accounting for just under 30% of the global energy mix by 2050.

Combined, oil and natural gas are expected to supply about 54% of global energy demand.

1.

Preamble Embroidery is a term deeply woven into Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, evoking the timeless artistry of the Nakshi Kantha.

This traditional craft interlaces threads of different colors and textures into a single, durable fabric that reflects identity, tells stories, and embodies patience, creativity, and care.

Today, Bangladesh’s concept of national security has evolved in much the same way-into the careful weaving of multiple dimensions into a strong and cohesive whole known as comprehensive security.

Embroidery is a term deeply woven into Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, evoking the timeless artistry of the Nakshi Kantha.

This traditional craft interlaces threads of different colors and textures into a single, durable fabric that reflects identity, tells stories, and embodies patience, creativity, and care.

Today, Bangladesh’s concept of national security has evolved in much the same way-into the careful weaving of multiple dimensions into a strong and cohesive whole known as comprehensive security.

Comprehensive security is a holistic approach that integrates people, processes, and technology into a unifi ed, layered system of protection.

It extends beyond the traditional focus on territorial defense to address a broad range of challenges, including economic, energy, environmental, and technological threats.

This approach recognizes that a nation’s strength is measured not only by its military capability but also by its ability to safeguard its economy, sovereignty, and social stability.

For Bangladesh, comprehensive security means protecting its people from hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation just as effectively as it protects them from external aggression.

2.

Multi-dimensional Network of Comprehensive Security In 21 century, comprehensive security defi nes an interconnected network of dimensions rather than isolated forts.

A failure in one area often triggers a Domino Effect across others.

For instance, environmental factors like drought can lead to crop failure, causing economic strain and societal unrest.

This phenomenon could also be true due to the energy crisis.

3.

Energy Security: The Central Nervous System Energy security is defi ned as the continuous availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

It acts as the central nervous system of the nation, because all systems of 21 century depend on its flow.

In Bangladesh, energy is a vital resource that connects other dimensions of security.

3.1 Engine of Economic Prosperity The energy crisis in Bangladesh is driven by high dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This affects foreign exchange (shortages) and geopolitical tensions, signifi cantly hindering economic growth.

It also accelerates inflationary pressure, increases the cost of doing business, and disrupts manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

The Ready-made Garment (RMG) sector, which provides over 80% of total export earnings, relies heavily on stable electricity.

By early 2026, energy shortages will have already reduced 2530% drop in factory production capacity.

Furthermore, grid failures force factories to use expensive diesel generators, signifi cantly increasing operational costs.

The interrupted power for RMG cannot meet export deadlines and ensure competitive operational costs.

Over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and underdeveloped renewable energy sources leaves the economy vulnerable to global market shocks, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Chronic power shortages are discouraging new investment, both domestic and foreign.

3.2 Social Contract and Political Stability The social contract relies on the state authority providing essential services (rights, security, services, etc.) and price stability in exchange for social order.

Energy is a primary determinant in this balance.

Agriculture and Food Security: Agriculture depends on diesel for irrigation.

Scarcity of diesel and erratic power supply for irrigation pumps threatens agriculture, particularly during key farming seasons, raising risks of reduced food production.

Shortages of natural gas have led to the shutdown of domestic fertilizer factories, creating high dependence on costly imports.

When diesel prices rose to Tk 115 in April 2026, the price of rice increased to Tk 66-70/kg.

By mid-2026, Bangladesh’s food security may be severely impacted by a compounded energy and economic crisis, with rice prices in Dhaka rising by 8-10% as of May 2026 due to soaring fuel costs.

High inflation reaching 9.04% in April 2026, combined with reduced agricultural production, has signifi cantly lowered food affordability and increased malnutrition risks for low-income populations.

Transportation: Energy security involves shifting toward a sustainable, integrated system that prioritizes public transport with safety, affordable economic participation, and inclusion of marginalized groups.

In April 2026, Bangladesh’s transportation sector is experiencing severe disruption due to an energy crisis fueled by global oil price surges (over US$ 110/barrel) due to regional conflict (Iran versus the USA-Israel).

It leads to severe diesel shortages, higher freight charges, and reduced operations, with bus fares rising to Tk 2.53/km for metropolitan areas and Tk 2.23/ km for inter-districts.

Diesel shortages have caused long queues at fi lling stations, with dealers reporting receiving only a fraction of the requested fuel, which has forced many to close.

Transport operators are increasing freight charges, with truck fares for vegetables rising by up to Tk 10,000, impacting supply chains and raising commodity prices.

Supply of Electricity: As of April 2026, Bangladesh is facing a severe energy crisis, leading to frequent and prolonged electricity shortages, especially during a sweltering heatwave.

The crisis is driven by a massive dependence on imported fuel (LNG, coal, and HFO), which has been severely disrupted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Power shortages have exceeded 2,000 MW, with rural areas experiencing 5-7 hours of outages daily and urban areas facing 2-3 hours.

The energy shortage has led to reduced productivity in energyintensive industries like textiles and slowed agricultural irrigation.

The Government is actively proposing a 17-21% increase in electricity tariffs to manage the high generation costs.

Household Costs: By April 2026, energy and transport costs rose to 18-22% of urban household budgets, compared to 10-12% in 2010.

Infrastructure Risks: Coastal network assets are susceptible to environmental disasters (like cyclones) coupled with maritime threats, which increase the risk of massive energy supply failures.

Public Order and Political Stability: High inflation and power cuts often trigger protests that challenge political stability.

Bangladesh’s inflation accelerated to 9.04% in April 2026 from 8.71% in March 2026.

The higher fuel costs continue to pressure household spending, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

High inflation in Bangladesh, hovering since 2022, severely strains public order by reducing purchasing power, increasing poverty, and eroding real income, leading to social distress, potential unrest, and increased pressure on low-income groups.

This sustained crisis triggers protests, fuels income inequality, and complicates Government efforts to maintain stability 3.3 Silent Fuel of Defense Energy security is a silent partner in military readiness.

Fuel shortages can paralyze training and patrols, rendering expensive hardware like tanks and jets immobile.

Modern defense also requires constant electricity for digital warfare, including radars and communication networks.

A hacked or failing grid effectively leaves the military blind.

The 2015-16 Nepal energy blockade by India serves as a critical case study.

When fuel supplies were restricted through the Indian land supply route, Nepal’s economy lost US$ 5 billion, and its military mobility was paralyzed.

This taught a vital lesson: energy is a weapon.

Landlocked Nepal responded by diversifying its supply lines and investing in hydroelectricity to reduce dependence on India.

4.

Strategic Autonomy and Global Shocks Bangladesh may face a growing risk to its sovereignty due to a heavy reliance on imported energy.

In 2010, nearly 90% of electricity was generated from domestic gas.

By 2025, the country was forced to import approximately 25-30% of its gas as LNG.

This reliance creates geopolitical vulnerability.

For example, the Iran versus USA-Israel conflict directly threatens Bangladesh, because much of its imported fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

A blockade in this narrow waterway could entirely halt the flow of oil and gas.

Additionally, the dollar crunch exacerbates this issue; paying for energy in US dollars drains foreign exchange reserves.

Disruption of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) in the Bay of Bengal may severely threaten Bangladesh’s energy security by cutting off the maritime routes that facilitate nearly 100% of its fuel imports.

A disruption could immediately halt the flow of imported coal, LNG, and petroleum, leading to widespread power outages, economic shutdowns, and a collapse of energy-dependent logistics, as the nation is highly reliant on imported energy rather than domestic reserves and renewable energy.

5.

Geopolitical Intersection: Iran versus USAIsrael Conflict (2026) and the Security of Bangladesh The ongoing conflict involving Iran versus USA-Israel creates a direct and sophisticated threat to the comprehensive security of Bangladesh.

Dimension Relationship to Iran versus the USA-Israel Conflict Economic Industrial productivity stalls as fuel import bills rise and supply chains break Financial Seeks external loans (IMF, WB, etc.) and foreign lines of credits Human Food security is threatened as diesel costs for irrigation increase due to global price volatility.

Political Government stability is tested by public discontent over high fuel prices (reaching Tk 115 in 2026) Military Strategic autonomy weakens when fuel for defense hardware depends on regional wars.

This conflict creates a critical dependency on energy security, navigating the dimensions of comprehensive security.

A fuel crisis leads to industrial shutdowns, which cause job losses and inflation, eventually resulting in anti-government protests and state fragility.

A vulnerability in energy creates a dangerous flowchart: Energy Crisis ? Industrial Shutdown ? Job Losses/Inflation ? AntiGovernment Protests ? State Fragility 7.

Conclusion: The Path to Sovereignty To achieve a middle-income future, Bangladesh must resolve the 30% production gap caused by energy instability.

True security lies in an internal energy transition of shifting from fossilbased systems of energy production and consumption, including oil, natural gas, and coal, to renewable energy sources like wind, tidal, and solar, to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To break the chain of dependence, the nation must pursue three primary goals: Increase Domestic Exploration: Accelerate gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal.

Invest in Renewables: Meet the target of 4,100 MW of clean energy by 2030.

Build Strategic Reserves: Increase storage capacity to survive shortterm supply shocks.

By securing its energy, Bangladesh ensures that its embroidery of resilience remains strong and its people remain safe in an uncertain world of 21 centur

Nearly 100 civil society organizations from Trkiye and Australia have jointly called on the incoming COP31 Presidency to make the global transition away from fossil fuels a top priority at the UN climate summit later this year.

In a letter signed by 94 organizations during the Bonn Climate Conference, the groups urged COP31 leaders to accelerate a just, orderly and equitable transition from coal, oil and gas while strengthening international climate fi nance and ensuring that major polluters contribute more to funding climate action.

The organizations also called for the implementation of the Just Transition Mechanism agreed at COP30, with clear funding, timelines and measures to protect workers and vulnerable communities.

They emphasized the need to shield climate negotiations from fossil fuel industry influence and to ensure meaningful participation of civil society and Indigenous communities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently directed the authorities concerned to ensure a comprehensive waste management system and mandatory integration of renewable energy in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram.

The directives came during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), where the ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone’ project was approved conditional upon addressing environmental issues and incorporating sustainable energy solutions into the project design.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki disclosed the information while briefi ng reporters at NEC Conference room in the city following the ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the city.

The ECNEC approved the ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone’ at an estimated cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, aimed at accelerating industrialization and attracting foreign investment.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has installed its new Executive Committee for the 2026-2028 term, with Syed M o h a m m a d Kamal of Mastercard Banglades h elected as President and Ala Uddin Ahmad, CEO of MetLife Bangladesh, as Vice President.

Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Managing Director of Philip Morris International Bangladesh, will serve as Treasurer.

The installation ceremony, held in Dhaka, marked the beginning of a new leadership chapter focused on strengthening U.S.Bangladesh trade and investment relations.

The new committee pledged to deepen bilateral economic ties, promote Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination, relaunch the U.S.

Trade Show, expand membership engagement and advocate for businessfriendly policy reforms.