Academics and youth climate activists at a rally recently urged the government and investors to stop funding fossil fuel projects and reduce the country’s reliance on such fuel imports.
They also called for an expansion of renewable energy to build a climate-resilient and energy-secure Bangladesh in the days to come.
Fridays for Future Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice made the demand at a rally held in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
The program is part of the global climate strike organized by the worldwide school students’ movement ‘Fridays for the Future’ to reduce global carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, said a press release.
The youth voiced solidarity in 26 districts of Bangladesh with a call for street and online movements with the slogan ‘We Want Climate Justice’ and #Tomorrow Is Too Late.
Professor Saleemul Huq, director of International Centre for Climate Change and Development, said, ‘We must act swiftly to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel and turn to renewable energy sources that are more sustainable and equitable.’
Reiterating the fact, professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University, said, ‘I urge private financial institutions to facilitate investments in a renewable energy revolution fully.’
Hundreds of youths from Activista Bangladesh Platform of ActionAid Bangladesh and more than 24 youth organizations attended the Global Climate Strike this time, said an ActionAid press release.
