Mongla, Sept. 19 (V7N) — Environmental activists and local residents held a human chain in Mongla on Friday, calling for an end to new fossil fuel projects and financing for such projects, greater climate justice, increased investment in renewable energy, and a rapid and just energy transition.

The programme was held along the Pashur River at Kanainagar in Mongla as part of the Global Week of Action. It was jointly organized by Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA), Pashur River Waterkeeper and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

The event was held ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) and the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), as part of a global campaign calling for stronger action on climate change and a transition away from fossil fuels.

The human chain was chaired by environmental activist Md. Nur Alam Sheikh, a central leader of DHORA and Pashur River Waterkeeper.

Among others, DHORA leaders Asima Mondal and Brishti Sarker, Pashur River Waterkeeper organizer Reshma Khatun, Fishermen’s Association General Secretary Abdur Rashid Howlader, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh representative Mehedi Hasan addressed the gathering.

The speakers urged the government to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build a cleaner, more equitable and renewable-energy-based future for Bangladesh.

They also called for the closure of the Rampal coal-fired power plant, citing concerns over its potential impact on the environment and public health, particularly in the Sundarbans region.

In his address, Nur Alam Sheikh called for an end to financing for fossil fuel projects and urged greater investment in renewable energy to address the climate crisis and ensure a rapid and just energy transition.

He also alleged that dependence on imported fossil fuels had contributed to the concentration of economic and political power among certain businesspeople, bureaucrats and political figures, which he said had facilitated financial-sector irregularities and corruption in Bangladesh.

“There is no alternative to renewable energy for ensuring energy security and sovereignty,” Sheikh said.

He expressed hope that the government would take effective measures to curb corruption and promote greater energy self-reliance by expanding the use of solar power.

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