Air pollution is a growing concern in Bangladesh. According to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Advisor, coal-powered plants are responsible for 28% of the country’s air pollution.
During a dialogue in Dhaka about climate policy and green energy, Hasan emphasized that while Bangladesh’s global carbon emissions are low, local emissions are on the rise. Communities are raising alarms about air quality issues.
Hasan attributed part of the slow transition to renewable energy to problematic power plant contracts made in the past. She expressed concern over how these contracts will constrain efforts for a greener future.
“We can’t quickly shift to green energy due to these binding agreements,” she explained. “We are facing climate change impacts that we did not cause, while also incurring debt that our future generations will need to manage. It’s a tough situation for our country.”
The advisor called on Australia to support Bangladesh in its climate initiatives through grants or favorable loans. She pointed out the financial strain that fluctuating energy prices impose on the country. “Bangladesh must evaluate its dependency on energy imports as ongoing volatility could harm our economy even more,” she said.
Hasan also criticized the notion that Bangladesh lacks local energy potential, explaining that continued heavy investment in imports could lead to more complications.
Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle spoke at the event, highlighting Australia’s role in fostering commercial investments in Bangladesh’s energy sector. She noted Australia’s commitment to promote clean energy supply chains worldwide.
