Bangladesh faces energy vulnerability amid rising fossil fuel dependence

Bangladesh's energy sector faces mounting risks as reliance on costly imported fossil fuels grows and coal and LNG projects expand unchecked. Experts warn that this dependence threatens economic stability, exacerbates environmental damage, and delays the country's transition to renewable energy.

The concerns were raised Tuesday at an interactive session titled "Energy Expansion: Impact on Bangladesh's Economy, Ecosystem and Fair Transition" at Premier University in Chattogram. The event was jointly organised by Dhara, Premier University, 350.org, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Highlighting Bangladesh's highly vulnerable energy supply, Shafiqul Alam of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said 40 percent of the total supply and more than half of electricity depend on imports, while renewables contribute just 2 percent.

He cautioned that Bangladesh's global ranking in energy security, equity, and sustainability has slipped from 77th to 83rd, noting that each fossil fuel investment entails long-term economic burdens and, without a strategic shift to renewables, financial vulnerability will continue to grow.

Discussions also focused on the damage caused by poorly planned power projects, which are devastating farming, fisheries, and salt production in coastal areas. Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhara, criticised flawed donor-driven assessments, saying, "Development cannot come at the expense of our environment."

Highlighting geopolitical risks tied to critical minerals for clean energy, Harjeet Singh, advisor to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, explained, "Critical minerals are tightly controlled, mainly by China. This makes the transition both expensive and politically fraught."

Urging Bangladesh to join global treaty initiatives, he added, "The country must raise its voice internationally and push for a just transition."

Premier University Registrar Mohammad Iftekhar Monir stressed the role of universities in awareness-building. "We usually equate energy with oil and gas. But with emissions rising, renewable energy remains the only sustainable path forward," he said.

Vice Chancellor Prof SM Nasrul Qadir pledged to support more youth-focused environmental initiatives. Participants included youth climate activists, students, researchers, and representatives from civil society. The event concluded with a climate and energy quiz for 130 participants, with winners receiving prizes and certificates.