Actionaid Bangladesh, BSREA sign mou to promote just energy transition
ActionAid Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance renewable energy and promote an inclusive, just energy transition in Bangladesh, aiming to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The MoU was signed at ActionAid Bangladesh's Gulshan office in Dhaka by Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, and Mostafa Al Mahmud, president of BSREA. Senior officials from both organisations were present.
The partners said the initiative aims to make the energy transition more people-centred and sustainable by strengthening coordination among policymakers, industry actors and grassroots communities.
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Under the agreement, the two organisations will conduct research on climate finance, energy justice and gender-responsive transition pathways. They will also support policy dialogue and advocacy to promote decentralised solar power and a just energy transition.
As part of the collaboration, representatives from government, the private sector and civil society will receive specialised training to build capacity on sustainable energy and financing mechanisms.
The partnership will also focus on mobilising innovative and environmentally responsible financing, alongside public–private partnerships, to encourage new investment in the renewable energy sector.
Under the MoU, BSREA will serve primarily as a technical adviser and advocacy partner. The agreement will remain effective for an initial period of five years.
Farah Kabir said reducing reliance on fossil fuels and expanding renewable energy has become a national and global priority, adding that the transition must safeguard the rights of marginalised communities, including women and young people. She said BSREA's technical expertise, combined with ActionAid Bangladesh's social justice advocacy, could support Bangladesh's efforts towards energy sovereignty.
Mostafa Al Mahmud said renewable energy is not only an environmental issue but also important for economic security, adding that the partnership would support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to sustainable change in the country's energy sector.
ActionAid Bangladesh said it has long worked on social and climate justice and the rights of marginalised communities. BSREA said it represents 165 member organisations.
