Dhaka, August 25, 2026: Bangladesh needs an evidence-based, realistic and long-term energy strategy to ensure low-carbon and climate-resilient development, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam said on Tuesday.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a dialogue titled “University Dialogue on People-Led LT-LEDS: Bangladesh’s Low-Carbon Future” at the RISE Auditorium of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
The dialogue, organised by Youth for NDCs under the theme “Energy System and Power Planning for Bangladesh’s LT-LEDS,” was supported by BUET’s Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD) and the German Embassy in Dhaka.
The state minister said Bangladesh’s Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) should not be treated merely as another climate document. Instead, it should serve as a long-term national development roadmap defining the type of economy Bangladesh wants to build, the energy system required to support it, investment priorities, and measures to prepare workers and young people for the transition.
“Energy will be at the centre of Bangladesh’s LT-LEDS,” he said, stressing that the country does not need to choose between development and environmental protection. Rather, it needs an energy system capable of advancing both simultaneously.
Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Managing Director Kazi Raunkul Islam Tipu said climate finance is public money entrusted to institutions to protect people and the environment. Every investment should therefore deliver visible, measurable and lasting benefits, he said.
Other speakers included ILO Country Office for Bangladesh Technical Officer for Just Transitions Elisa Benistante Fremigacci and IESD-BUET Director Dr Md Ali Ahmad Shoukat. Youth for NDCs Executive Director Amanullah Parag also addressed the event.
Participants developed practical and technically feasible recommendations for Bangladesh’s LT-LEDS process, focusing on renewable energy, grid readiness, affordable electricity, energy efficiency, investment planning, institutional coordination and greater youth participation.
The recommendations will be formally submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for consideration in the formulation of Bangladesh’s LT-LEDS.
Around 150 students, young professionals, academics, researchers, development partners and other stakeholders participated in the dialogue. Discussions highlighted Bangladesh’s long-term energy outlook, renewable energy expansion, grid preparedness, energy security, affordable electricity, energy efficiency and the need to reduce long-term dependence on fossil fuels.
