Speakers at rally in Chittagong urge Japan to invest 100% in Renewable Energy Sector in Bangladesh

08 Mar 2023 | 3: 06 pm

The 5th Japan Energy Summit 2023 is being held from 28 February to 2 March 2023 at the Westin Tokyo. This year’s Japan Energy Summit is the country’s roadmap for carbon neutrality-addressing the role of LNG, gas and hydrogen and achieving net zero carbon. It is an international platform that convenes energy and power stakeholders, Japanese buyers and Government representatives, and international suppliers to discuss issues affecting current industry trade. Including how LNG and gas are critical to global warming, changes to hydrogen and ammonia and low carbon emissions can be addressed.

Currently, Japan has two investments in Bangladesh, Summit Gazipur, Phase-II, 300 Me:O: HFO based power company (3 billion USD) and Reliance Meghnaghat, 750 Me:O: LNG based power company (1265 million USD).  This investment by Japan is not desirable for setting climate targets, which are inconsistent with the Paris Agreement.

The speakers made the above comments at a human chain and rally organized by Bangladesh Working Group External Debt (BWGED), APMDD and ISDE Bangladesh on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in ​​Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

In the gathering, Vice President of CAB Central Committee and Executive Director of ISDE Bangladesh, S M Nazer Hossain said-Japan is one of the largest and trusted friendly countries of Bangladesh but also one of the most investing countries who have invested in the electricity sector which is powered by fossil fuels, which is why we have climate, economic and being a victim of social injustice. Therefore, Japan should help Bangladesh achieve 100% renewable energy through advanced technology and financing. The Bangladesh government has already adopted the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan to implement 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Various speakers have said that coal-fired power projects run on fossil fuels pose a risk of harm to the health of common people and serious pollution of the environment. Besides, the price of electricity generated from imported coal will go beyond the affordability of common people. Therefore, Japan’s investment in this sector will have a serious negative impact on the economy of Bangladesh. Urged Japan to take initiative to ensure investment in Bangladesh’s 100% renewable energy sector.

Amongst others spoke in the rally former president of Chittagong Journalists Union(CUJ) M Nasirul Haque, CAB Chittagong Divisional General Secretary Quazi Iqbal Bahar Sabery, CAB Chittagong South District President Alhaj Abdul Mannan, President Safa Motaleb College Governing body Haji Abu Taher, columnist Musa Khan, Joint Editor of CAB Chittagong Metropolitan Tyehidul Islam, Member of Central Committee of Bangladesh Vegetable Exports Association Salim Jahangir, Principal of Chandgaon Laboratory Model School and College Ismail Farooqui, Principal Moniruzzman, Shaheen Chowdhury of Cab Sadarghat, Helal Chowdhury of Cab Jamalkhan, Harun Ghafoor Bhuia of Cab Pahartali, Professor AKM Humayun Kabir of Forest Laboratory College, President Cab Khulsi Engineer Hafizur Rahman, Former VP of Chittagong Law College Reba Barua, Cab leader Farhana Akhtar, Mahila Parishad’s leader Ruby Khan, Human Rights Organizer Osman Jahangir, Shampa K Nahar of CSDF, Md Jahangir Alam of ISDE, Advocate Pranab Biswas, President CAB Youth Chittagong Division Chowdhury KNM Riyad, President of CAB Youth Group Chittagong Metropolitan Abu Hanif Noman, Niloy Burman, Sakilur Rahman, Meena Akhtar, Jannatun Naeem, Amit Dey, Amzadul Haque. Ayez, Md. Miskat, Emdadul Islam, Russell Uddin and others take part the discussion.