Bangladeshi climate activists are calling for a comprehensive revision of the Integrated Energy Power Master Plan (IEPMP) to prioritize renewable energy sources and foster a sustainable and climate-friendly energy sector. They voiced these demands during a rally held in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Friday.

The activists emphasized the urgent need to amend the current master plan, citing concerns about costly and ineffective solutions that hinder Bangladesh's energy transition. Dr. Khandaker Gholam Moazzem of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) supported the activists' demands, stressing the importance of aligning the IEPMP with national renewable energy targets and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.

Youth activists underscored the importance of aligning the IEPMP with national climate policies and prioritizing renewable energy sources. They urged the government to ensure that the revised master plan reflects the country's commitment to achieving renewable energy targets.

As part of the Global Climate Strike, young students called on world leaders to take decisive action to address climate change. They urged governments and investors to prioritize renewable energy and divest from fossil fuels.

The rally highlighted concerns about the inclusion of greenhouse gas-emitting fuels like ammonia and hydrogen in the IEPMP, labeling them as "false solutions." Climate activists called for developed countries to take action to limit global temperature increases and prioritize renewable energy investments.

Speakers at the rally urged Bangladesh to transition away from high-cost energy imports and adopt a climate-friendly, renewable energy-based master plan. They emphasized the need for governments and investors to take responsibility for the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy solutions.