Bangladeshi youth activists have urged the government and investors to put a stop to the country's high dependence on fossil fuel imports, primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
They demanded an end to these environmentally harmful activities, calling for fostering renewable energy expansion for an energy secure and sustainable Bangladesh.
Fridays for Future Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice made their pledges at a rally outside the National Press Club on Friday.
It was part of a global climate strike organised by the worldwide school student movement 'Fridays for Future' to reduce global carbon emissions and claim compensation from historically responsible nations.
Youths have exhorted stakeholders to review this call, highlighting the repercussions of importing costly fossil fuels, especially LNG, which is a heavy financial burden on Bangladesh.
They rather called for increasing the share of renewable energy in the new power-sector master plan.
They demanded stopping climate pollution by putting pressure on rich nations to keep global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees and reduce carbon emissions by stopping multinational corporations from investing in fossil fuel-based power generation.
The youth voiced solidarity with the call as part of the global climate strike on the streets and online with the slogan 'We Want Climate Justice'.
They urged the developed nations to formulate and implement a fast-track strategy for compensating climate-vulnerable countries and providing funds for adaptation action on a priority basis. Sohanur Rahman, coordinator of Youthnet for Climate Justice, said: "Climate crisis has become a great disaster for our country and the world."
"To overcome this crisis, it's important to stop fossil-fuel dependency of our country and foster renewable energy for future. Similarly, it's necessary to ensure a fair share of polluting countries."
Dr Saleemul Huq, director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development, also expressed his solidarity with the youth.
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