Economy
Bangladesh Grapples with Coal Dependency, Says Global Study
Bangladesh is facing a complex transition from coal-based energy, according to the Global Energy Monitor in its Boom and Bust Coal 2024 report published on April 11.
The report, released worldwide, illuminates Bangladesh’s coal energy landscape and stresses the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. It advocates for a shift away from coal-based energy toward renewable sources.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s economic strain due to heavy reliance on imported coal amid fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, the report mirrors similar challenges faced by countries worldwide.
The document further examines coal usage in Bangladesh, noting “a surge of coal plant commissionings marked the final months of 2023 in Bangladesh.”
“1.9 GW of coal capacity came online, a historic high since the country’s inaugural coal-fired power station commenced operations in 2006,” the report states.
“Bangladesh’s coal plants rely heavily on imported coal… and much of its installed capacity remained underutilized throughout the year as several power stations experienced recurrent shutdowns due to fuel shortages,” it adds.
Additionally, the report indicates Bangladesh’s trend of diminishing proposed coal capacity since 2019, suggesting a gradual shift toward cleaner energy sources.
“In 2023, little progress was made on coal proposals, which have steadily dwindled since 2019 and now seem increasingly improbable. The lone project that progressed was the government-backed Maheshkhali power station, which initiated pre-feasibility studies but faced repeated delays in its anticipated commencement,” notes the Global Energy Monitor report.
Flora Champenois, coal program director at Global Energy Monitor, remarked, “Coal’s prospects this year deviate from the norm, as indications point to a reversal of this rapid expansion. However, countries with coal plants slated for decommissioning must expedite the process, and those with plans for new coal plants must ensure they are never realized.
“Otherwise, meeting our targets under the Paris Agreement and reaping the benefits of a swift transition to clean energy will remain out of reach,” she emphasizes.
Sharif Jamil, member secretary of Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (Dhora) and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, stated, “Bangladesh’s economy bears a significant burden from financing, fuel costs, and currency fluctuations associated with current coal-based power plant operations.
“Even operating existing coal plants at full capacity poses challenges for Bangladesh. Proposing new coal plants or continuing with existing ones heightens public health risks and exacerbates climate disruptions, which is fundamentally irrational,” he concluded.
In addition to Global Energy Monitor, the report’s co-authors include the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), E3G, Reclaim Finance, Sierra Club, Solutions for Our Climate, Kiko Network, Climate Action Network (Can) Europe, Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED), Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (Clean), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (Dhora), Trend Asia, Alliance for Climate Justice and Clean Energy, Chile Sustentable, Polen Transiciones Justas, Iniciativa Climatica de Mexico, and Arayara.
Beyond Fossil Fuels also contributed to the Turkish version of the report.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
