Dhaka - ActionAid Bangladesh; 22 April 2025: Bangladesh’s first-ever festival dedicated to renewable energy, the ‘Renewable Energy Fest 2025’, will kick-off at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) campus on Wednesday, 23 April. The two-day festival will run from 23 to 24 April.
To mark the festival, a special rally and flash mob were organised today (Tuesday) in Dhaka as part of the global 'Fund Our Future' campaign. During the event, participants called for an end to fossil fuel financing and advocated for increased investment in renewable energy. The objectives and activities of the Renewable Energy Fest were also outlined at a press conference held on the same day.
The festival is a joint initiative of ActionAid Bangladesh, BUET, and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD).
The day’s events began at 10:00 AM with a captivating flash mob performed by 20 members of the Surjodoy Youth Group. Through a four-minute performance, they conveyed the urgent message of moving away from fossil fuel dependency towards renewable energy. Participants carried placards featuring images of solar panels, wind turbines, and the planet, while chanting slogans such as "Flip Fossil Fuel — March Towards the Future!" The vibrant performance was enjoyed by over a hundred students and well-wishers.
Following this, a spirited rally set off from Doel Chattar, passed by Shikkha Bhaban, and concluded in front of the National Press Club. Over 150 young climate activists from 10 youth organisations took part in the lively and peaceful rally, brandishing placards, artworks, songs, and posters demanding climate justice. Slogans such as “Don’t Sell Our Future”, “Fix the Finance”, “Increase Investment in Renewable Energy”, “End Investment in Harmful Agricultural Practices”, “Climate Justice Now”, and “Invest in Climate-Resilient Sustainable Agriculture” were prominently displayed.
At 11:00 AM, an important press conference was held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club. Presided over by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, the press conference featured a statement delivered by Abul Kalam Azad, Manager of the Just Energy Transition team. Other notable attendees included Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA); Mukaddim Sarwar, Senior Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL); Rashed Ibn Obaid Ripon, member of the coordinating committee of Jetnet-BD and representatives from The City Bank.
The conference highlighted the aims and activities of the Renewable Energy Fest, the urgent need for a just energy transition in Bangladesh, and the critical role of youth in this process.
Calling for collective action towards a just and sustainable energy future, Farah Kabir said, “Today’s flash mob and rally demonstrate that our youth are determined to create a fair and sustainable energy future. We are committed to building a green Bangladesh, free from fossil fuel pollution and powered by renewable energy. This festival marks an important step towards realising that dream.”
In his written statement, Abul Kalam Azad added, “The festival brings together government and non-government institutions, experts, and youth representatives. Our primary objectives are to lay the foundation for a just energy transition through dialogue and innovation fairs, showcase renewable energy innovations, and ensure the active participation of marginalised communities. The Innovation Fair and Youth Hub will be major attractions for young participants. The festival will conclude with the presentation and awarding of the best local innovations. This initiative reinforces our commitment to a green and just future.”
Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of BSREA, stated,“Renewable energy is essential for our future. We believe that by combining the innovative ideas of young people with the expertise of specialists, this festival will contribute towards developing a sustainable energy policy.”
Mukaddim Sarwar, Senior Assistant Vice President of IDCOL, said, “IDCOL is delighted to be part of this initiative, and we hope this festival will inspire positive changes in the country's energy sector.”
Activities on the Opening Day and Last Day of the Festival:
On 23 and 24 April, the main attractions of the festival will be the 'Innovation and Technology Fair' and the 'Youth Hub', both to be held in the premises of BUET's ECE Building. At the Innovation Fair, local innovators will showcase cutting-edge technologies and ideas related to renewable energy. Corporations will present their renewable energy products and services.
Meanwhile, the Youth Hub will provide a platform for young people to express their ideas and innovations through dialogues, workshops, and quizzes, inspiring them to take active roles in the climate movement.
Additionally, six major policy dialogue sessions will be held across the two days, focusing on: The social and environmental impacts of renewable energy, Policy and governance, Financing and investment, Infrastructure and technology, Women's participation and The role of youth in climate action and a just energy transition. The outcomes and recommendations from these sessions will be presented to policymakers.
The final day of the festival will see awards presented in various categories recognising outstanding contributions to the renewable energy sector. Media partners for the festival include Channel i, The Business Standard, and Daily Samakal.
For further information, please contact:
Shabbir Rahman, Communications Manager, ActionAid Bangladesh.
Mobile: +8801681-523496; Mail: shabbir.rahman@actionaid.org
Abul Kalam Azad, Manager, Just Energy Transition (JET), ActionAid Bangladesh
Mobile: +8801711220146 | Email: abul.azad@actionaid.org