DHAKA, Oct 26, 2026: The three-day Renewable Energy Fest 2026 began at the BUET Central Playground on Monday, bringing together policymakers, researchers, young people, civil society groups and private-sector representatives to promote a just, inclusive and sustainable energy transition in Bangladesh.
Organized by ActionAid Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) and BUET’s Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), the festival is being held for the second time under the theme “A Just, Inclusive and Green Energy Transition.”
The festival opened with a rally of more than 200 participants from Shaheed Minar to the venue, followed by a flash mob featuring 30 performers to raise awareness of renewable energy and a fair energy transition.
Speaking at a press conference, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir stressed the need to move away from fossil fuels and put farmers, women and marginalized communities at the center of renewable energy planning and investment. BUET IESD Director Professor Dr M A A Shoukat Choudhury said developing renewable energy capacity was essential to strengthening Bangladesh’s future energy security.
The festival features innovation and technology fairs, startup-investor networking, and discussions on renewable energy financing, policy, governance, infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, and social and environmental safeguards. The fairs will include 29 stalls showcasing technologies, services and innovations, while promising startup ideas may receive seed funding.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku is scheduled to inaugurate the Innovation and Technology Fair on Tuesday. Experts and representatives from South and Southeast Asia will also share experiences and explore practical pathways for Bangladesh’s energy transition.
Organizers said the festival aims to connect government, businesses, investors, researchers and development partners and develop an action-oriented agenda for expanding renewable energy through innovation, investment and collaboration.
