Youth climate activists have staged a protest calling for a shift away from fossil fuel–based development toward increased use of renewable energy. They warned that excessive reliance on fossil fuels is intensifying global warming, environmental pollution, and the broader climate crisis.
The demands were raised at a “Global Climate Strike” held Friday morning in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka. Participants said that unplanned fossil fuel consumption by developed countries, combined with developing nations following the same path, is making the planet increasingly uninhabitable.
They added that overuse of fossil fuels is worsening environmental pollution and accelerating temperature rise across the globe.
Speakers at the event said that ongoing global wars and geopolitical tensions have triggered an energy crisis worldwide, with impacts also being felt in Bangladesh. They stressed that renewable energy is the most sustainable solution to address this situation. They called for increased investment in clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, alongside a gradual reduction in fossil fuel dependency.
Youth activists further stated that fossil fuel use must be phased out to ensure a livable planet. They urged the government to take stronger steps toward transitioning to renewable energy instead of relying on oil-based energy systems.
They also claimed that Bangladesh’s dependence on fossil fuels and coal results in an annual payment of around 42 billion dollars, increasing the country’s debt burden. They warned that this debt will be carried by future generations. They also alleged that coal-based power plants are destroying agricultural land, polluting river water, and reducing fish populations, thereby threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Professor Mir Mohammad Ali of Bangladesh Agricultural University said that the construction of coal-based power plants is damaging farmland, polluting rivers, and reducing fish production, putting the livelihoods of fishermen and local communities at risk.
Climate activist Farhana Omi, who recently participated in the Santa Marta conference in Colombia, said that although 57 countries at the conference made various commitments to phase out fossil fuels, Bangladesh did not clearly state its position. She warned that without reducing fossil fuel dependence now, future generations will face severe environmental consequences.
Speakers at the program also criticized the government for slow progress in implementing its pledge to produce 10,000 megawatts of solar power, saying that there has been little visible advancement despite election promises.
Climate activist Md. Nazmul Haque, Executive Director of Green Rights Foundation, said that there is no alternative to renewable energy in addressing climate change. He emphasized that an urgent transition to clean energy is essential to ensure climate justice.
The event was organized by several environmental and youth organizations, including Dharitri Rokkha Amra (DHORA), Brighters, Green Rights Foundation, Web Foundation, Youth for Development, Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, and others.
Participants demanded an end to fossil fuel expansion, increased climate finance, greater investment in renewable energy, and the implementation of environmentally friendly development policies.