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Lawmakers and experts have called for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and expanding renewable energy use to help protect fisheries and aquatic biodiversity in Bangladesh.
They proposed greater use of solar power at different stages of the fisheries sector, particularly to protect fish sanctuaries and breeding grounds from the adverse environmental impacts of coal-fired power plants. They said solar energy could help address the country’s energy needs while also contributing to the conservation of fisheries resources.
They made the remarks at a roundtable discussion titled “Renewable Energy Now for the Protection of Fisheries Resources” held at the National Press Club on Thursday morning.
The event was organised under the “Renewable Energy, Now” campaign by 42 civic and social organisations, including Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (Dhara), Dream Research and Development Foundation (DRDF), and Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement.
Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, coordinator of the Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement, chaired the discussion.
Engineer Md Ashraf Uddin Bakul, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Defence, attended the event as the chief guest, while MP Beethika Binte Hossain was the special guest.
Former chief scientific officer of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Md Anisur Rahman, Bangladesh Environment Journalists Forum President Mostafa Kamal Majumder, former district fisheries officer Abdul Qayyum, former Dhaka Reporters Unity president Rafiqul Islam Azad, Dhara member Iqbal Faruk, Bangladesh Krishak Federation President Badrul Alam, River Bangla Editor Faisal Ahmed, Sachetan Sangstha President Sakila Parveen, Sushilan Deputy Team Leader Abu Nawsher Ali Suman and young climate activist Ishtiaq Uddin Arko, among others also spoke at the meeting.
DRDF President and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Assistant Professor Mir Mohammad Ali presented the keynote paper.
He said the government had set a target of generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030 and that the fisheries sector could be made a partner in achieving the target.
He proposed installing solar-powered water circulation systems and aerators at hatcheries, solar panels over ponds and fish enclosures, and solar power systems at ice plants and cold storage facilities. Solar dryers could also be used for fish processing, he said.
Solar mini-grids could be established in fishing communities to provide lighting and mobile charging facilities, support net-making activities and ensure security lighting at landing stations, he added.
The keynote paper also highlighted the potential for a solar power project as an alternative to the coal-fired power plant at Rampal. It said the government had proposed a 442–460MW solar power project on 918.4 acres of vacant land there.
The same model could be applied in Payra, Patuakhali and Taltali to formulate a national action plan for transitioning from coal to renewable energy, the paper said.
Chief guest Ashraf Uddin said duty and VAT exemptions had been provided for importing renewable energy equipment to help meet at least 20 percent of national electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.
He said the government was encouraging rooftop solar panels and solar irrigation, while work was under way to allocate khas land for renewable energy projects and develop battery storage facilities. Local government bodies had also started working in line with government directives, he said.
He expressed hope that necessary steps would also be taken in the fisheries sector to expand the use of renewable energy.
Special guest Beethika Binte Hossain said work was also under way to address the adverse impacts of climate change, alongside efforts to expand renewable energy. She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had placed a five-point proposal on the issue at the United Nations General Assembly.
She stressed the need for public participation in implementing the government’s plans, particularly urging young people to become more actively involved.
Veteran journalist Mostafa Kamal Majumder said civic groups had been campaigning for increased renewable energy generation for a long time.
He said the current government had taken several important steps in line with its electoral pledges, but stressed the need for a specific action plan to implement those measures.
He also called for establishing a Solar Energy Corporation similar to those in developed countries, if necessary.
