Speakers at a dialogue on Thursday said renewable energy instead of fossil fuels can ensure a livable city in a developing countries like Bangladesh. Report UNB
A policy dialogue titled "Role of Renewable Energy for a Livable City" was held today in the city.
The event was jointly organized by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), and Jet Net BD.
The session was chaired and moderated by Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) while the Guest of Honor was Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi, Head of the Department of Architecture and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at State University. The keynote presentation was delivered by Professor Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS.
Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder emphasized that in developing countries like Bangladesh, where industrialization and urbanization are rapidly increasing, dependence on fossil fuels remains significant. This reliance is deteriorating the country’s air quality, which is progressively worsening. To ensure a livable city, reliance on fossil fuels must be reduced, and the use of renewable energy must be increased.
Professor Mohammad Ali Naqi emphasized that reducing fossil fuel consumption as much as possible is essential. He stated that this is not just the responsibility of the government, public agencies, or policies, it is a matter of cultural awareness and a duty of every citizen, which should become a habit. To build a livable city, the role of renewable energy must be integrated into policies, planning, and implementation strategies with a clear timeline.
Director of Air Quality Management, Department of Environment Md. Ziaul Haque, stated that air pollution caused by fossil fuels is a serious problem for Bangladesh, negatively impacting public health and the environment. However, with the right policies and effective measures, this issue can be resolved.
He also said the Department of Environment has already decided to monitor power plants and has set a target to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. To control pollution, all ministries must work together.
"Despite pressure from the Department of Environment, it has been challenging to coordinate collective efforts. Immediate decisions must be made to control air pollution. Existing policies must be effectively implemented, along with strict enforcement of laws, he said.
Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), highlighted that Bangladesh has immense potential for renewable energy. By increasing the use of renewable energy, adopting eco-friendly technologies in the transportation and industrial sectors, and raising public awareness, we can build a healthy and green Bangladesh.
Gaous Pearee, director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust (WBBT), stated that there is currently no alternative to renewable energy. Reducing the use of fossil fuels is now essential for Bangladesh to decrease air pollution, noise pollution, and river pollution.
Supreme Court lawyer Adv. Rasheduzzaman Majumder said that several plans have been made regarding energy, but none have successfully met the renewable energy production targets.
He emphasized the need for coordination among all energy policies, particularly revising the Energy Master Plan 2023 in line with the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.
Abul Kalam Azad from ActionAid Bangladesh highlighted that although Bangladesh's electricity generation capacity has increased, energy security has not been ensured.
Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, secretary of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, said that when government policies priorities businesses, the public misses out on opportunities. He pointed out that the current energy policy does not involve public participation, and as a result, he cannot agree with the rising electricity prices. He stressed that energy consumption must be reduced.
Recommendations from experts at the Policy Dialogue was to gradually phase out the use of fossil fuels in all sectors, including power generation, transportation, industries, and households, increase the production and usage of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources, revise existing energy policies, including the IEPMP, to support renewable energy transition, increase investment in solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas projects.
They also recommended setting emission standards for power plants and industries in alignment with global benchmarks and ensure their strict enforcement and encourage private sector participation and utilize international funding to promote renewable energy.
