Bangladesh must accelerate shift to clean, affordable energy: CA

Chief Adviser (CA) Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the urgent need for Bangladesh to transition to a clean, safe, and affordable energy system to ensure sustainable economic growth.

He made the remarks during a virtual meeting held on Thursday with Carl Page, Chairman of the Anthropocene Institute, and other energy experts, a statement issued by the CA's Press Wing confirmed on Saturday (September 20).

Dr. Yunus highlighted that Bangladesh, being both densely populated and highly vulnerable to climate change, cannot rely on fossil fuels as a long-term energy solution. He underscored the importance of investing in alternative clean energy sources—particularly solar power—as part of the country's future energy strategy.

Carl Page, speaking at the same conference, noted that advanced nuclear technologies and hybrid energy systems are not only cost-effective and low-maintenance but also capable of supporting Bangladesh’s industrial power demands for decades.

Bangladesh, with its strong capacity for innovation, has the potential to lead the transition to clean energy in the region, he added.

Dr. Yunus welcomed the government’s new national power policy, which prioritises the expansion of solar energy. However, he stressed the need for comprehensive research and feasibility studies before considering nuclear energy options.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDG Chief Coordinator and Senior Secretary to the Government, Lamiya Morshed were also attended the virtual conference.