Govt. emphasizing on renewable energy: Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister’s Adviser for Education and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin today (1 November) said the government is prioritizing to renewable energy for addressing the ongoing energy crisis. 

“The past policies have created vulnerabilities in the nation’s energy sector. “We want to step out of this situation and diversify our energy sources. The government is placing special emphasis on renewable energy,” he added. 

He made the remarks as a special guest at a seminar titled “Science Policy Dialogue on Black Carbon and Other Short-Lived Climate Pollutants,” jointly organized by Dhaka University and Stockholm University at a  hotel in the capital. 

In this context, solar power is being prioritized, alongside ongoing projects generating energy from waste, he said. 

He further noted that one of the primary targets is to reduce reliance on oil and increase the use of eco-friendly vehicles. Consequently, electric vehicles are being given higher priority in newly undertaken projects. 

Highlighting historic initiatives such as the canal-digging program of former President Ziaur Rahman and the introduction of environment-friendly CNG vehicles under Begum Khaleda Zia, the Education Adviser remarked that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a rich history and tradition of formulating effective policies to enhance climate resilience. 

Additionally, previous BNP governments initiated bans on plastic and polythene while promoting jute products and eco-friendly goods, Mahdi Amin said. 

Mentioning nationwide weekly, monthly, and annual tree plantation campaigns and tree fairs organized during past BNP administrations, he added, “In the present context, we want to revive and further develop that culture.” 

“We all want to build a Bangladesh where nature will not be destroyed in the name of development; rather, nature will be preserved,” Mahdi Amin emphasized. 

He reaffirmed the government’s intention to undertake projects where environmental conservation is prioritized to ensure ecological balance for future generations. 

The Education Adviser added that the goal is to build a Bangladesh where future generations can breathe clean and fresh air, requiring environment-friendly activities to be prioritized as part of a multifaceted plan. 

Referring to BNP’s election manifesto, he said, “Through grand master plans for the Padma and Teesta barrages, we aim to construct reservoirs. This will help maintain natural water flow and streamline water resource management.” 

Chaired by Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Abdus Salam and Professor Orjan Gustafsson of the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University, the event was also attended by State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, among others.