Bright Energy for a brighter Bangladesh campaign in Chattogram

 Civil society and young climate activists in Chattogram have risen as a crucial voice in the national movement pushing for a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy.

ISDE Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), today's campaign brought together citizens, youth activists, and policymakers in a powerful human chain demonstration. With banners waving and slogans echoing through the air, participants called attention to the pressing barriers hindering Bangladesh's shift to sustainable energy, ranging from outdated infrastructure and complicated approval processes to high investment risks and inconsistent policy enforcement.

At a time when Bangladesh urgently needs to embrace renewable energy for its future resilience and economic growth, Chattogram's campaign stressed that systemic obstacles continue to delay progress. Slow bureaucratic approvals, lack of financing, poor grid readiness, and gaps in tariff structures for renewable projects all contribute to the lag. The movement identifies these barriers and puts forth precise demands to unlock a green future.

Key among the campaign's demands are creating a one-stop centre to expedite approvals for renewable projects, modernising the national grid through innovative grid technology, and implementing net energy metering (NEM). Advocates are pushing for at least 20% of the national power sector budget to be dedicated to renewable energy development and urging domestic banks to allocate a minimum of 25% of their energy financing portfolios to renewable ventures. Lowering import duties and removing tariff rate conditions for renewable energy investments were highlighted as urgent needs to make clean technologies more accessible and financially viable. Fair billing through the "No Electricity, No Pay" poly was another critical demand, ensuring accountability from service providers.

"This movement represents Chattogram's determination to shape a greener, fairer future," said S M Nazer Hossain, Vice President of CAB central committee and Executive Director. "Policy reforms are not just technical changes—they are the foundation for sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and national prosperity."

Zannatul Ferdous, a Forum on Ecology and Development Chattogram member, added, "Communities like ours, located at the frontline of climate vulnerability, need renewable energy to thrive. It's time for collective action to remove barriers and create opportunities for a sustainable Bangladesh."

With growing momentum nationwide, Chattogram's powerful call for energy justice and renewable reform strengthens Bangladesh's journey toward a cleaner, more resilient future for all.

Eminent journalist and Ex-President CUJ M Nasirul Hoque, Ex ADAB President Jesmin Sultana Paru, CAB South Chatogram district President Abdul Mannan, BNP Women Front City Vice President Sayma Hoque, central Executive member Bangladesh Fruits and Vegetable Exporters Association Md Selim Jahangir, Joint Secretary CSDF Md Jane Alam, CAB Sadargat President Shaheen Chowdhury, Ismail Faroqy, Abu Younus, ISDE Programme Coordinator Md Jahangir Alam, CAB Youth Group leader Emdadul Islam, Raihanul Islam, Rasel Uddin, Raisul Islam, Mohammed Hibban Islam, Partho Sarker were taken participate the discussion.