Young climate activists on Friday called for the authorities concerned to immediately end the financing of fossil fuel-based power projects.
They demanded prioritising investments in transition to renewable energy and mobilisation of vital climate finance as the world grapples with the devastating impacts of climate change.
The young voices made the calls at a 'climate strike' programme held outside the National Press Club.
Fridays for Future Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice jointly organised the event.
They pledged to end fossil fuel financing and reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuel imports, primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG), and access higher climate finance.
Young advocates from 25 districts across the country converged on the strike point, dressed in solemn black attire symbolising the dire consequences of the fossil fuel industry.
Eminent climate expert Prof Saleemul Huq and adviser to COP28 Presidency said the climate crisis is an obvious and palpable danger.
The world's wealthy nations bear the responsibility for climate problems while the poor endure the brunt, he added.
Governments globally must pressure polluters, asserted Prof Huq.
"We must swiftly make a transition to equitable and sustainable renewable energy sources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels."
Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), said, "Defend our right to clean air and end the tyranny of toxic fossil fuels."
"It's time to phase them out and embrace renewable energy for a secure, clean and equitable future," he added.
The young participants demanded real climate action, immediate change and a brighter future for all as the time for transformative action on climate change is now.
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