Job Vacancy: Information Associate (01)

Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Information Officer (01). Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) to shuborna@cleanbd.org with a cover letter and two references no later than 26 December 2023 at 4:00 PM.

About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. BWGED started its activities as the ‘Working Group on IFIs’. But later, BWGED was expanded to the broader community by changing the phrase to ‘External Debt’ in 2016. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include even broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for Bangladesh's green and equitable energy transition since 2015.


Application Eligibility

  • Proficiency in web development, content management systems (WIX/WordPress), data entry, social media maintenance, and content writing is required. 

  • Candidates with a Graduation/Diploma in Computer Science are eligible for the mentioned posts. However, the mentioned educational qualification is flexible in the case of candidates with genuine expertise in website development/maintenance.

  • Must have the mindset to meet deadlines and work in a coordinated manner as per the organization's guidelines.

  1. Basic Responsibilities: Website management, social media management, content writing, data entry, and others (as per direction).
  2. Working Days and Hours: Full-Time. Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM (including 1 hour lunch break).
  3. Remuneration & Benefits: An annual package of negotiable payment with other organizational benefits.
  4. Duration: Two years initially with an option of extension.
  5. Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 
Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the

societies in which we work. Considering Bangladesh's socio-economic position and conditions, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

 
Application Disclosure

If you are confident enough to take on the challenges, please send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a cover

letter and two references to shuborna@cleanbd.org by 26 December 2023, 4:00 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

 

Job Vacancy: Energy Intern (08)

 

Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for eight (08) suitable Bangladeshi candidates for the position of 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻. Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮@𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗱.𝗼𝗿𝗴 with a cover letter and two references no later than 𝟬𝟱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠.

About the Organization
Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for the green and equitable energy transition in Bangladesh since 2015.

Working Environment 
  1. Working Days and Hours: Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 1.00 PM to 5.00 PM
  2. Remuneration: 10,000 BDT
  3. Duration: 06 Months initially 
  4. Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 
Responsibilities 
  1. Collecting and analyzing primary and secondary data on the energy infrastructures;
  2. Writing articles, and essays on the environmental, social, financial, and economic aspects of energy infrastructures; 
  3. Writing and presenting research, and study reports; and 
  4. Writing opinion pieces on different technical aspects of terminologies, fuels, and technologies of the energy sector;
  5. Supporting colleagues for capacity building in the energy sector in Bangladesh.
Eligibility 
  1. Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Electronic, Environment, Forestry, or relevant subjects;
  2. At least one year of experience in the field of research;
  3. Solid skill in writing articles and essays in English and Bengali;
  4. A clear understanding of data management, analysis, synthesizing, and narrative building.
Equality
BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work. Considering the socio-economic position and conditions in Bangladesh, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

Application Disclosure
If you are confident enough to take the challenge, please send a Curriculum Vitae with a cover letter and two references to 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮@𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗱.𝗼𝗿𝗴 by 𝟬𝟱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Job Vacancy: Finance and Admin Officer (01)

Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for one (01) suitable Bangladeshi candidates for the position of Finance and Admin Officer. Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮@𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗱.𝗼𝗿𝗴 with a cover letter and two references no later than 30 November 2023, 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠.

About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for the green and equitable energy transition in Bangladesh since 2015.

Working Environment 
  1. Working Days and Hours: Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 09.00 AM to 5.00 PM
  2. Remuneration: Negotiable
  3. Duration: 02 years initially with a possibility of extensions. 
  4. Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 
Eligibility

1) Masters in Accounting or Preliminary degree from ICAB or ICMAB.
2) At least 3 years of working experience in any reputed organization or business firms.
3) Sound knowledge of record keeping, financial reporting, and tax systems in Bangladesh.

Responsibilities 

  1. Capabilities of working under pressure

  2. Comfortable to work in a team

  3. Spirit of working with people from different identities and cultures

  4. Good communication skills Bangladesh.

  5. Punctual with sincerity and integrity


Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work. Considering the socio-economic position and conditions in Bangladesh, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

Application Disclosure

If you are confident enough to take the challenge, please send a Curriculum Vitae with a cover letter and two references to 𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮@𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗱.𝗼𝗿𝗴 by 30 November 2023, 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Job Vacancy: Finance Intern (01)


Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Finance Intern (01). Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to dishakln@gmail.com with a cover letter and two references no later than 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM.


About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. BWGED started its activities as the ‘Working Group on IFIs’. But later, BWGED was expanded to the broader community by changing the phrase to ‘External Debt’ in 2016. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include even broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for Bangladesh's green and equitable energy transition since 2015.


Application Eligibility
  • Graduation in Commerce Background. Must have skills in Accounting.
  • Must be proficient in Spreadsheets, MS Word, and MS Excel.
  • Fluent in English, and Bangla both is preferable.
  • Must have the mindset to meet deadlines and work in a coordinated manner as per the organization's guidelines. 
Basic Responsibilities: Assisting Finance and Admin Officer.
Working Days and Hours: Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 1.00 PM to 5.00 PM
Remuneration: 10,000 BDT
Duration: 06 Months.

Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 


Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity ofthe societies in which we work. Considering Bangladesh's socio-economic position and conditions, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

 
Application Disclosure
If you are confident enough to take on the challenges, please send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a cover letter and two references to dishakln@gmail.com by 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Job Vacancy: IT Associate (01)

Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of IT Associate (01). Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to dishakln@gmail.com with a cover letter and two references no later than 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM.


About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. BWGED started its activities as the ‘Working Group on IFIs’. But later, BWGED was expanded to the broader community by changing the phrase to ‘External Debt’ in 2016. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include even broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for Bangladesh's green and equitable energy transition since 2015.


Application Eligibility

  • Proficiency in web development, content management systems (WIX/WordPress), data entry, social media maintenance, and content writing is required. 

  • Candidates with a Graduation/Diploma in Computer Science are eligible for the mentioned posts. However, the mentioned educational qualification is relaxable in the case of candidates with genuine expertise in website development/maintenance.

  • Must have the mindset to meet deadlines and work in a coordinated manner as per the organization's guidelines.

Basic Responsibilities: Website management, social media management, content writing, data entry, and others (as per direction).
Working Days and Hours: Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM (including 1 hour lunch break).
Remuneration & Benefits: An annual package of negotiable payment with other organizational benefits.
Duration: Two years initially with an option of extension.

Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 


Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of thesocieties in which we work. Considering Bangladesh's socio-economic position and conditions, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

 
Application Disclosure

If you are confident enough to take on the challenges, please send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a cover letter and two references to dishakln@gmail.com by 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

 

Job Vacancy: Creative Designer (01)


Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Creative Designer (01). Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to dishakln@gmail.com with a cover letter and two references no later than 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM.


About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. BWGED started its activities as the ‘Working Group on IFIs’. But later, BWGED was expanded to the broader community by changing the phrase to ‘External Debt’ in 2016. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include even broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for Bangladesh's green and equitable energy transition since 2015.


Application Eligibility
  • Must have skills in creative, graphics design, illustration, advertising, and digital printing (eg. brochures, books, booklets).
  • Must be proficient in Adobe Illustrator (AI) and Adobe Photoshop (Ps).
  • Graduation / Diploma in Computer Science or Graduation in any discipline with proficiency in Graphics and Illustration only those can apply for the mentioned post. Educational qualification is relaxable if the quality of work is good.
  • Must have the mindset to meet deadlines and work in a coordinated manner as per the organization's guidelines. 
Basic Responsibilities: Designing (eg., Banners, Festoons, Books, Booklets, Brochures, Advertisements, and Video Editing) for any team as per requirement and theme.
Working Days and Hours: Saturday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM (including 1 hour lunch break).
Remuneration & Benefits: An annual package of negotiable payment with other organizational benefits.
Duration: Two years initially with an option of extension.

Job Location: Khulna, Bangladesh (may need to go out of the city for urgent work). 


Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work. Considering Bangladesh's socio-economic position and conditions, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

 
Application Disclosure

If you are confident enough to take on the challenges, please send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a cover letter and two references to dishakln@gmail.com by 10 November 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

Job Vacancy: Energy Expert (Research Coordinator)


Work Station: Khulna, Bangladesh

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Energy Expert (Renewables) who will conduct research and build narratives on Just Transition (focusing on Solar and Wind) in Bangladesh. Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to dishakln@gmail.com with a cover letter and three references no later than 30 June 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM.

About the Organization

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is a flexible civil society forum of progressive activists and organizations from all over Bangladesh. BWGED started its activities as the ‘Working Group on IFIs’. But later, BWGED was expanded to the broader community by changing the phrase to ‘External Debt’ in 2016. The Working Group is currently working to shift from ‘External Debt’ to ‘Ecology and Development’ to include even broader communities in the movement. BWGED works on four thematic areas such as (i) Environment & Climate, (ii) Energy & Power, (iii) Large Infrastructure, and (iv) Water & Agriculture. BWGED has been working for Bangladesh's green and equitable energy transition since 2015.

Working Environment

  • Job Station: Khulna city (70% of the active time), but frequent visits are required (30% of the active time)
  • Report to: Programme Coordinator
  • Coordinate with: Campaign Team, Comms Team, Finance & Admin Officer
  • Supervise: Research Officer, Research Associates
  • Work Days: Saturday - Thursday, except public holidays
  • Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one-hour lunch break
  • Duration: Two years initially with an option of extension

Remuneration & Benefits

An annual package of negotiable payment with other organizational benefits.

Responsibilities

  1. Carrying out surveys, feasibility studies, and policy analyses related to the energy sector of Bangladesh.
  2. Analyzing technical data and estimating the potential of generating final energy from Renewable sources.
  3. Reviewing the renewable energy projects' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA).
  4. Writing and presenting research, study, and program reports
  5. Supporting colleagues for capacity building on just and equitable transition in Bangladesh

Eligibility

  1. Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  2. At least five (5) years of experience in the field of research or operation of the energy, power, or industrial sector;
  3. Published at least 2 (two) research papers for any reputed organizations, institutions, or international journals;
  4. A clear understanding of data management, analysis, synthesizing, and narrative building;
  5. Basic knowledge of Bangladesh's energy system, particularly the power sector and primary energy supply, including renewable sources.

Equality

BWGED is committed to ensuring equality and to valuing diversity and is keen to reflect the diversity of the societies in which we work. Considering Bangladesh's socio-economic position and conditions, female candidates and candidates from cultural diversity are encouraged.

Application

If you are confident enough to take the challenge, please send a Curriculum Vitae with three references to dishakln@gmail.com by 30 June 2023, Friday, 11:59 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed in the second week of July 2023.

প্রস্তাবিত জ্বালানি পরিকল্পনা মুজিব জলবায়ু সমৃদ্ধি পরিকল্পনার সঙ্গে সাংঘর্ষিক

১৯ মে ২০২৩ । বাংলাদেশ 
---------------------------------- 
নীতি গবেষণাপত্র (বাংলা । ইংরেজি) 


বাংলাদেশের অর্থনীতির জন্য ক্ষতিকর, পরিবেশের জন্য ধ্বংসাত্মক, মুজিব জলবায়ু সমৃদ্ধি পরিকল্পনার সঙ্গে সাংঘর্ষিক ও মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রীর প্রতিশ্রুতিবিরোধী ‘সমন্বিত জ্বালানি ও বিদ্যুৎ মহাপরিকল্পনা’ (Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan - IEPMP) বাতিলের দাবি জানিয়েছে উপকূলীয় পরিবেশ ও জীবনযাত্রা কর্মজোট (ক্লিন), বাংলাদেশের প্রতিবেশ ও উন্নয়ন বিষয়ক কর্মজোট (বিডাব্লিউজিইডি)। ক্লিন ও বিডাব্লিউজিইডি’র যৌথ উদ্যোগে প্রকাশিত এক নীতি গবেষণাপত্রে এ দাবি জানানো হয়। 

নীতি গবেষণাপত্রে জানানো হয় , জাপানের আন্তর্জাতিক উন্নয়ন সংস্থা (জাইকা) ও ইনস্টিটিউট অব এনার্জি ইকোনোমিক্স জাপান (আইইইজে) এ পরিকল্পনা প্রণয়ন-প্রক্রিয়ায় বিদ্যুৎ ও জ্বালানি ব্যবহারকারীদের অংশগ্রহণের কোনো সুযোগ রাখেনি। কিছু নাগরিক প্রতিনিধিদের সঙ্গে দুটি পরামর্শ সভা আয়োজন করা হলেও মূল প্রতিবেদনে নাগরিক মতামতের কোনো প্রতিফলন দেখা যায়নি। এ পরিকল্পনা প্রণয়নের সময় সংসদ সদস্য, এমনকি পরিকল্পনা মন্ত্রণালয়, বিদ্যুৎ, জ্বালানি ও খনিজ সম্পদ মন্ত্রণালয় এবং পরিবেশ, বন ও জলবায়ু পরিবর্তন মন্ত্রণালয় সংক্রান্ত সংসদীয় স্থায়ী কমিটির সঙ্গে কোনো প্রকার আলোচনা করা হয়নি। 

নীতি গবেষণপত্রে আরো জানানো হয়, বাংলাদেশ সরকারের মুজিব জলবায়ু সমৃদ্ধি পরিকল্পনায় ২০৩০ সালে ৩০ শতাংশ, ২০৪১ সালে ৪০ শতাংশ ও ২০৫০ সাল নাগাদ শতভাগ নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি বাস্তবায়নের প্রতিশ্রুতি দেয়া হয়েছে। বিগত জাতিসংঘ জলবায়ু সম্মেলনে মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রীও ২০৪১ সাল নাগাদ ৪০ শতাংশ নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি বাস্তবায়নের ঘোষণা দিয়েছেন। অথচ, আইইপিএমপিতে ২০৫০ সাল নাগাদ ৩০.৭ শতাংশ জীবাশ্ম জ্বালানি (বিশেষত কয়লা ও এলএনজি), ৩২.৮ শতাংশ তথাকথিত ‘উন্নততর প্রযুক্তি’ (বিশেষত তরল হাইড্রোজেন, অ্যামোনিয়া ও কার্বন সংরক্ষণ প্রযুক্তি) এবং মাত্র ১৭.১ শতাংশ নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানি প্রবর্তনের প্রস্তাব করা হয়েছে যা মুজিব জলবায়ু সমৃদ্ধি পরকল্পনার সঙ্গে সাংঘর্ষিক। 

এলএনজি আমদানিতে বছরে প্রায় ৪০ হাজার কোটি টাকার বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা ব্যয় হচ্ছে। কয়লা আমদানিতেও বছরে প্রায় ২৫ হাজার কোটি টাকার বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা খরচ হয়ে যাচ্ছে। এছাড়া ২০২২-২৩ অর্থবছরে জীবাশ্ম জ্বালানিভিত্তিক বিদ্যুৎকেন্দ্রের ক্যাপাসিটি বাবদ ব্যয় হবে প্রায় ২৩ হাজার কোটি টাকা। গবেষণাপত্রে বলা হয় যে, জাপানের প্রস্তাবিত এই পরিকল্পনা গ্রহণ করলে বাংলাদেশ ক্রমশ ক্যাপাসিটি চার্জ এবং বৈদেশিক জ্বালানি ও প্রযুক্তির উপর নির্ভরশীল হয়ে পড়বে। অপরদিকে, নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানিভিত্তিক পরিকল্পনা গ্রহণ করলে বাংলাদেশের জ্বালানি নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করার পাশাপাশি কষ্টার্জিত বৈদেশিক মুদ্রা সাশ্রয় করা যাবে। 

গবেষণায় আরো বলা হয় , জীবাশ্ম জ্বালানিভিত্তিক বিদ্যুতের উৎপাদন খরচ প্রতি বছর গড়ে ১২ শতাংশ হারে বৃদ্ধি পাচ্ছে। অন্যদিকে, নবায়নযোগ্য জ্বালানির উৎপাদন খরচ কমে যাচ্ছে গড়ে ১০ শতাংশ হারে। বিগত ২০২১-২২ অর্থবছরে ডিজেল থেকে প্রতি ইউনিট বিদ্যুৎ উৎপাদনে খরচ হয়েছে ৩৬.৬১ টাকা, ফার্নেস অয়েল থেকে ১৬.৮৬ টাকা, কয়লা থেকে ১৩.৪০ টাকা এবং সৌরশক্তি থেকে ১৩.৩০ টাকা। 

গবেষণাপত্রে সরকারের কাছে প্রস্তাবিত আইইপিএমপি বাতিল করে মুজিব জলবায়ু সমৃদ্ধি পরিকল্পনা ও মাননীয় প্রধানমন্ত্রীর প্রতিশ্রুতি অনুসারে অর্থনৈতিক সমৃদ্ধি, জ্বালানি নিরাপত্তা ও জাতীয় মালিকানার ভিত্তিতে নিজস্ব বিশেষজ্ঞদের সংযুক্ত করার মাধ্যমে দীর্ঘমেয়াদি জ্বালানি ও বিদ্যুৎ মহাপরিকল্পনা প্রণয়নের দাবি জানানো হয়।

Proposed Energy & Power Master Plan contradicts Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan

19 May 2023 | Bangladesh 
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See the Policy Brief (Bangla | English)


The Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) urged the State Minister of Power and parliamentary standing committees to cancel the Integrated Energy and Power Sector Master Plan (IEPMP) proposed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) as it is harmful to the economy of Bangladesh, disastrous for the environment, contradicts Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP) and against the commitment of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The organizations demanded it in a Policy Brief on the proposed IEPMP today. 

The Policy Brief reads that JICA and IEEJ did not consult with different sects of the society, including energy users and renewable energy promoters, in the formulation process. They organized two consultation meetings with the civil society representatives, but none of their opinions are reflected in the draft report. The consultants have not organized consultation meetings with the parliamentarians, particularly parliamentary standing committees on the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Planning. 

The Policy Brief also reads that the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), approved by the cabinet, is committed to implementing 30% Renewable Energy by 2030, 40% by 2041 and 100% by 2050. During the UN Climate Conference, the Prime Minister echoed the target in December 2021. But the IEPMP proposed 30.7% fossil fuels (Coal and LNG), 32.8% so-called Advanced Technology (liquid hydrogen, ammonia and carbon capture & storage) and only 17.1% Renewables by 2050. This proposition is totally against the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan and the commitment of the Prime Minister. 

Bangladesh spends around BDT 40,000 crore from foreign currency reserves to import LNG and BDT 25,000 crore to import coal annually. Besides, BDT 23,000 will have to pay in FY 2022-23 as the capacity charge. In the alternative, renewable energy-based power plants do not have any capacity charges to pay. The proposed IEPMP will make Bangladesh dependable on fossil fuels and unproven technologies imported from the exporting countries. It will further weigh down the economy. On the other hand, Renewable energy can ensure energy security in Bangladesh and save foreign currency reserves. 

The policy brief says the generation cost of fossil fuel-based power has been increasing by 12% while the cost of power from renewables is reducing by 10% annually. In FY 2021-22, the unit cost of power generated from diesel was taka 36.61, followed by furnace oil (tk. 16.86), coal (tk. 13.40) and solar power (tk. 13.30). 

The organizations urged the Government to cancel the proposed IEPMP and formulate a nationally-owned long-term Energy and Power Master Plan involving local energy experts in line with the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan to ensure economic prosperity, energy security and climate responsibility. 

Besides publication, the organizations submitted the Policy Brief to Nasrul Hamid, the State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MOPEMR), Waseqa Ayesha Khan, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Hasanul Haq Inu, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information; Nahim Razzaq and Tanvir Shakil Joy, Convener and Chairperson of the Climate Parliament Bangladesh respectively, through email.
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