The 2nd Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050 conference, concluded from 11–13 December 2024 in Dhaka. The event, organised by the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development in collaboration with 23 organisations (including ETI Bangladesh), brought together over 300 participants, including government officials, energy experts, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s energy landscape.
The conference was attended by distinguished guests including advisers of the Interim Government of Bangladesh: Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change) who chaired the event, and Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan (Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources) who served as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Dr. Mohammad Tamim, Professor at BUET, and Munawar Misbah Moin, Managing Director of Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy Limited, who participated as Special Guests, sharing valuable insights from both policy and industry perspectives.
In their speeches
Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the financial impracticalities of fossil fuel-based contracts and the challenges of aligning with global climate commitments. She emphasised the need for careful contract review and planning to avoid long-term economic strain.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan affirmed the government’s commitment to revising the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan, advocating for enhanced regulatory authority and promoting renewable energy. He also acknowledged the need for greater inter-ministerial coordination to achieve sustainable energy goals.
The welcome speech was delivered by Hasan Mehedi, Member Secretary of the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), while the session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam, Convener of BWGED. Moderation handled by Benojir Ahmed, Capacity Building Adviser at Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network, and Fahmida Hoque, Professor at Eden Mohila College.
A central focus of the conference was the Conference Declaration, which emerged as a framework guiding Bangladesh’s energy policies and transition strategies. The declaration sets actionable recommendations in key areas:
- Policy Coherence: Strengthening alignment between energy policies and climate commitments, particularly in shifting towards a renewable energy-based national grid.
- Institutional Reforms: Enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies to support the energy transition and ensure transparency and accountability.
- Financial Mechanisms: Promoting investments in renewable energy through fiscal incentives and reducing import duties on solar equipment.
- Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation: Strengthening international partnerships to share technology and financial resources for sustainable development.
- Social and Environmental Considerations: Ensuring an inclusive transition by involving marginalised communities and workers in the process.
The declaration recognised the critical role of renewable energy, with a strong emphasis on transitioning from fossil fuels and integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid. It also highlighted the need for a clear, coordinated approach across various sectors and stakeholders.
The conference featured twelve parallel sessions, each addressing crucial themes for Bangladesh’s energy future. These sessions covered a range of topics, from policy coherence and institutional reforms to financial mechanisms and social inclusivity. Notably in the 11th parallel session, "Decarbonizing Apparel and Transport Sectors in Bangladesh," ETI Bangladesh’s Senior Manager, Munir Uddin Shamim, presented a key note on “Energy Transition in the Garments Sector in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The closing session of the BEP 2050 conference featured special guests, Professor Ijaz Hossain, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh and Zahidul Alam Vice President, Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), and Managing Director, Engreen Engineering Limited. Speeches addressing transparency, governance, and actionable solutions for Bangladesh's energy transition were delivered in this session.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasised the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance to combat policy capture and monopolisation in the energy sector. He proposed establishing legal frameworks to cap individual company investments and ensure competitive procurement processes, advocating for the development of energy systems that benefit the people.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted the critical role of citizen initiatives in fostering accountability. She underscored the challenges of achieving climate goals, proposing realistic commitments such as policy revisions, enhanced collaboration across ministries, and integrating local and national research efforts. Her recommendations included building institutional capacity, engaging civil society in decision-making, and aligning financial strategies with environmental goals.
Speakers reaffirmed the importance of collective action and pledged continued dialogue to advance a just and sustainable energy transition.
