— Bangladesh must accelerate its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to protect rivers, water resources and ecosystems from mounting environmental pressures, environmentalists and river experts said on Saturday.
They warned that continued dependence on fossil-fuel-based power generation is placing additional pressure on rivers, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, while climate change is intensifying risks to the country’s water resources.
The call came at a discussion titled “Renewable Energy, Now to Save Rivers”, organised by Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA) and River Bangla, with support from 35 other organisations, to mark World Rivers Day 2026.
The event was held at the Tafazzel Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Dr Mujibur Rahman Howlader, former chairman of the National River Conservation Commission and a member of DHORA’s advisory council, said rivers were public assets and national resources whose protection was essential for people, biodiversity and civilisation.
“Without protecting river flows and water bodies, it is impossible to protect people, biodiversity and civilisation,” he said.
He called for Bangladesh to move towards renewable energy through a planned and phased transition, while also strengthening scientific research on river management, tackling encroachment and restoring the natural flow of rivers.
Md Ikbal Faruk, head of research at Waterkeepers Bangladesh and a member of DHORA, said fossil-fuel power plants were contributing to damage to river health, biodiversity and fisheries.
“A phase-out plan for fossil fuels must be initiated now,” he said, calling for greater development of renewable energy, particularly solar power, as an alternative to coal-fired generation.
Pashur River Waterkeeper Nur Alam Sheikh said protecting rivers, forests and water resources required a move towards renewable energy and a sustainable and just energy transition.
Such a transition, he said, would help reduce pollution pressures on rivers and aquatic ecosystems while protecting livelihoods and communities dependent on them.
Journalist and writer Amin Al Rashid said Bangladesh needed a diversified energy strategy, but development should not come at the expense of rivers and the wider environment.
He called for greater use of renewable energy and modern technologies to reduce conflicts between development and environmental protection.
Journalist, writer and researcher Dr Kajal Rashid Shaheen said renewable energy was essential if Bangladesh was to protect its rivers.
She urged the state to ensure that commitments to renewable energy were translated into sustainable implementation, while education and culture should be used to strengthen public awareness and responsibility towards rivers.
Sheikh Rokon, a river researcher and secretary general of Riverine People, said the transition to renewable energy should begin immediately.
“There is no room for ‘a little later’ or ‘gradually’,” he said, arguing that protecting rivers required a shift towards a sustainable energy system rather than continued reliance on harmful fuels and unnecessary mega-projects.
The discussion focused on the impact of fossil fuels on rivers and aquatic ecosystems, the growing risks associated with climate change, and Bangladesh’s potential to expand renewable energy to protect its water resources.
Speakers also stressed that protecting rivers would require not only changes in the energy system but stronger river governance, restoration programmes and public participation.