[Khulna, 20 September 2025]: Today at 6:00 PM, a dialogue titled “Bangladesh’s Energy and Just Transition: Citizen Discussion” was held at Hotel Royal International in Khulna. The event was attended by local dignitaries, university faculty members, and representatives of civil society.
Sadia Rowshon Adhora, Campaign Coordinator of Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) delivered welcome speech and she mentioned- “Electricity demand in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat districts is only about 230 MW, yet the installed generation capacity in the Khulna region exceeds 2,750 MW. This overcapacity creates waste on the one hand and imposes an unjustified financial burden on the people on the other.”
The keynote paper was presented by Hasan Mehedi, Chief Executive of CLEAN. He stated, “Although the country’s total power generation capacity now stands at 28,197 MW, nearly 11,500 MW of electricity lies idle everyday. Since 2009, more than BDT 1,56,000 crore of public tax money has been drained solely in the name of capacity charges. Each year, around BDT 40,000 crore is spent on LNG imports, pushing our energy security into a grave crisis. At present, 62% of electricity consumed is dependent on imported fuels. In other words, even with nearly 70% excess capacity, the power sector continues to saddle the public with enormous debt and liabilities. Yet, every MW of solar power can save about BDT 2.8 crore annually in fuel import costs. If only 5,000 MW of solar power is implemented by 2030, nearly BDT 14,000 crore could be saved each year.”
Mr. Mehedi added, “The vast majority of power sector agreements are astonishingly kept secret. Why should information about projects built with public money be hidden from the people? This secrecy suggests that these agreements were not made in the public interest, but rather to serve the vested interests of certain groups and continue to do so.”
While moderating the discussion, Professor Anwarul Kadir said, “Capacity charge means forcing people to pay the price of idleness. This has become a dreadful practice in our country. Yet alternatives do exist. If rooftop gardening is possible, why not rooftop solar? By using rooftops, hospitals, schools, and places of worship can generate their own electricity independently.”
Gouranga Nandy, Chairman of CEPR, remarked, “There is no need for any new coal- or LNG-based power plants. Such projects only add pressure on our economy and environment. If solar projects are implemented on the rooftops of our country’s educational institutions, at least 7,000 MW of electricity can be generated. This would be cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. What is required now is proper planning and swift implementation.”
Participants in the dialogue, including Enamul Haque, Convener of Khulna Press Club, and Abu Hena Poplu, Special Correspondent of Maasranga Television, echoed their agreement. They emphasized that Bangladesh’s power sector must be saved from waste and plunder while expanding renewable energy. They urged policymakers to implement policies for solar power, rooftop solar, community-based renewable projects, and a just transition immediately.
✅ For more information, please contact:
Kaniz Rabeya
Communications Coordinator
Email: kaniz@cleanbd.org
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