Fact-finding Report: Conflict Between LandCo and Villagers Over Firm Land in Tetulia, Panchagarh

April 2024
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Published by
Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED)

See the Full Article Here

Background

The Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and its alliance the Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) strongly support a Just and Equitable Transition which could be achieved by implementing 100% Renewable Energy (RE) in Bangladesh. 

At the same time, to ensure the ‘just transition’, the local environment, natural resources, and livelihood must be protected. Energy transition through grabbing agricultural land and water bodies does not comply with ‘Just’ and ‘Equitable’. In this context, the conflict between villagers and LandCo in Tetulia Upazila of Panchagarh District over a Solar Power Plant has been monitored. There is a strong allegation against LandCo that they grabbed hundreds of acres of cultivable land at the Shekhgos village of Debengarh (Debnagar) Union under Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh district in Bangladesh. It has been learned that the company started to purchase the land in 2017 but now went to possess the land where the villagers cultivated their crops. The company people demolish the villagers' crops, homes, and movable assets to control the land, as reported by some media [1]. Villagers protested it but they didn’t stop, finally, they controlled over 100 acres of land and fenced it. Another media reported that the tension was created artificially to delay the construction work of a solar power plant [2]. The company officials said that they would establish a 100 MW solar power plant there but they started their activities in the name of Seasonal Agricultural Farm (Mousumi Krishi Khamar), which is controlled and guided by LandCo, as reported by other media [3]. Tension was raised in the area regarding the deals of land purchase. According to the villagers, the company officials are trying to grab more land saying their purchased land still needs to be fulfilled.

Bitter Winter to Bite the Power Sector of Bangladesh

December 2023
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Published by
Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED)

See the Full Article Here

Summary

The winter season of four months (November - February) has started in Bangladesh while the people are waiting cautiously for the upcoming parliament election in January 2024. As some major parties are yet to participate in the national election, serious political unrest in the country may impact the industrial and commercial sectors seriously. 

Consumption of power depends on those sectors, along with domestic consumption. The current installed capacity of 152 grid-connected power plants under BPDB is 25,951 MW. Other four power plants with a capacity of 729 MW are to start commercial operation by December 2023 (BPDB, 2023b). By June 2024, the installed capacity may reach 29,391 MW, which will increase the stranded asset even more. The Power sector is already suffering from a serious level of overcapacity. In July 2023, 9,747 MW of the installed capacity were kept idle, which was 64% of the peak hour generation. The overcapacity reached 106% (13,343 MW) in November. It may further increase to 149% (15,947 MW) in December 2023 and come down to 93% (13,557 MW) in March 2024 and 90% (13,955 MW) in June 2024.

Demanding a Green & Just BRI in Bangladesh

October 2023 | Bangladesh 
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Published By

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED)

See the full Campaign Report (English)

Context

China organized the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) from 17-18 October 2023 to celebrate the first decade of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The forum is a Summit of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was initiated in 2013 by the Chinese President and completed more than 3,000 projects amounting nearly $1 trillion over the past decade. Bangladesh is one of the key member countries of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor under BRI and a major recipient of Chinese loans and projects. China is also interested in getting Bangladesh into the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

In October 2016, Bangladesh and China signed 26 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) amounting to $40 billion in loans, of which $26 billion under BRI and $14 billion for joint projects. So far, China has given $4.5 billion as loans, in addition to $7.7 billion in investments. However, Chinese companies got contracts of $22.94 billion for constructing infrastructures, including 12 highways, 21 bridges and 27 power plants in the same period. Over 670 Chinese companies have invested in different sectors of Bangladesh. More than 25% of the investors in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) are owned by Chinese nationals, and the amount has been increasing at 13.5% annually. A 783-acre special Chinese Economic Zone is also to be established in Chattogram. China Export and Import Bank (CHEXIM) financed $1,984 million for the Payra 1320 MW Coal Power Plant (Phase-I) owned by North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) and China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). It also financed $1,687 million for the Patuakhali 1320 MW Coal Power Plant owned by Rural Power Company Limited (RPCL) and Norinco International (China). BOC financed $78.31 million for the Saidpur 150 MW HSD Power Plant owned by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

In the private sector, the Bank of China (BOC), China Construction Bank (CCB) and China Development Bank (CDB) jointly financed 1,759.07 million for the Banshkhali 1224 MW Coal Power Plant owned by S. Alam Group, SEPCO-III (China) and HTG Group (China). PowerChina invested $378 million in the Barishal 350 MW Coal Power Plant owned by Sinohydro Corporation (China) and ISO Tech Group (Bangladesh). In response to the global pressure to phase out coal, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared in September 2021 during the United Nations General Assembly that China would not develop any coal power plants abroad. Even then, CHEXIM is to finance $1,440 million for the Payra 1320 MW Coal Power Plant (Phase-II). CHEXIM has never replied to the appeal of BWGED, along with other organizations, which called for not to finance this devastating power plant. The over-reliance on Chinese finance has negative impacts on the foreign currency reserves. Bangladesh is currently facing serious shortage of foreign currency and struggling to pay installments of international credit, in addition to the capacity charges of the idle power plants. China-financed Payra Coal Power Plant is the largest receiver of the capacity charges, around $182 million per year. Other projects with low economic return may further weigh down the economy. The projects financed by China under BRI have serious allegations of violating Human Rights and environmental standards. Since 2016, 12 innocent villagers and laborers have been killed as they raised their demands for proper compensation and remunerations. Nobody has been tried for brutal killings. On the contrary, one of the villagers was taken to jail under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for raising the environmental problems of the project on social media. In June 2019, a serious clash spread out between Bangladeshi and Chinese workers at Payra Coal Power Plant, when a Bangladeshi laborer fell from the boiler and died. A Chinese laborer was killed in the clash. As a response to the clash, the power plant authority filed cases against more than 1,200 Bangladeshi laborers and sacked them from their jobs in the power plant. The poor laborers have neither been released from the cases nor gotten their jobs back till now. Laborers of Rupsha 800 MW LNG Power Plant also got criminal cases and lost their jobs. China is the largest financier and equipment supplier of renewable energy (RE) in the world, with the installation of 228 GW of utility-scale solar power in its territory, which is more than that of the rest of the world combined. It also invested $271 billion in 2023 for 210 GW of RE globally. In the last ten years, China invested $546 billion in RE, majorly in the developing world. Chinese companies are involved in developing solar and wind power plants in Bangladesh. However, the scale of Chinese investments is comparatively tiny and insufficient. It is also noticed that the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) generated by the RE projects financed or developed by Chinese companies is significantly higher. So, we demand for a green and equitable transition with social, environmental, cultural and economic justice in BRI investment to save the next generations and Mother Earth.

Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Campaign Officer (Energy) who will organize the campaign and ‍advocacy-related actions on the just and equitable energy transition in Bangladesh. Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to shuborna@cleanbd.org with a cover letter and two references no later than  30 April 2024, Tuesday, 04:00 PM.

About CLEAN

The Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) is a voluntary organization that works on Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Food Security. CLEAN works with around 50,000 people all over Bangladesh through partners, especially at the climate hotspots and energy hubs. CLEAN also works with partners in the South Asia sub-region as the focal point of the South Asia Just Transition Alliance (SAJTA). CLEAN grounds its Thematic Pillars and strategies at the community level to ensure the efforts are translated to the local communities and tailored to local realities. CLEAN involves students, academicians, researchers, social leaders, media, local government, and policymakers to create an enabling environment for people and the ecology.

Working Environment

Job Station: Khulna city (around 70% of the time) but frequent visits are required to the communities (around 30% of the time)

Report to: Campaign Coordinator

Coordinate with: Energy Researchers, Communication Team, and  Finance & Admin Officer

Supervise: Volunteers and Campaign Partners

Work Days: Saturday - Thursday except for the 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

A monthly package of BDT 17,000- BDT 22,000  payment with other organizational benefits based on candidate’s experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to preparing the Campaign Plans as per the Annual Action Plan;

• Developing visual materials and narratives for the campaign programs;

• Organizing campaign programs targeting the policymakers, developers, financiers, and decision-makers;

• Effective communication and monitoring with campaign partners to ensure result-based campaigns;

• Ensuring proper documentation of the campaigns and progress reports; and

• Work with other colleagues for progress and prosperity.

Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Social Science, or relevant field;

• At least 1 year of work experience in campaign and advocacy;

• Program organizing skills, including multitasking and time management;

• Familiarity with partnership management and quality control; and

• Strong teamwork skills.

Equality

CLEAN 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 Process

If you are confident enough to take the challenge, please send a Curriculum Vitae to shuborna@cleanbd.org with a cover letter and two references no later than  30 April 2024, Tuesday, 04:00 PM. Only short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

BDJobs Circular: https://jobs.bdjobs.com/jobdetails.asp?id=1241673&fcatId=12&ln=1

Senior Researcher (Energy)

Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) is looking for a suitable Bangladeshi candidate for the position of Senior Researcher (Energy) who will conduct potential research and build narratives on Just Transition (focusing on Solar and Wind) in Bangladesh. Interested candidates are requested to submit their Curriculum Vitae to shuborna@cleanbd.org with a cover letter and two references no later than 19 April 2024.

About CLEAN

The Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) is a voluntary organization that works on Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Food Security. CLEAN works with around 50,000 people all over Bangladesh through partners, especially at the climate hotspots and energy hubs. CLEAN also works with partners in the South Asia sub-region as the focal point of the South Asia Just Transition Alliance (SAJTA'). CLEAN grounds its Thematic Pillars and strategies at the community level to ensure the efforts are translated to the local communities and tailored to local realities. CLEAN involves students, academicians, researchers, social leaders, media, local government, and policymakers to create an enabling environment for people and the ecology.

Working Environment

• Job Station: Khulna city, but frequent visits are required (at least 30% of the active time)
• Report to the Programme Coordinator
• Supervise the Research Officer, Research Associates, and Research Interns.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Carrying out feasibility studies, surveys, and policy analyses related to the energy sector.
• Analyzing technical data and estimating the potential of energy generation from Renewable sources.
• Reviewing the renewable energy projects' ESIA documents.
• Reviewing articles and nourishing team members for better output.
• Writing and presenting research, study, and program reports.
• Supporting colleagues for capacity building on just and equitable transition in Bangladesh

Equality

CLEAN 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.

Apply Procedure

Email your CV to the given email: shuborna@cleanbd.org

For More Visit: Senior Researcher BDjobs

ESIA Training 2024

Following the completion of the Online course on the Energy and Environment of Bangladesh, CLEAN - Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network is going to organize the 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗔) training from 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟯 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 (𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆- 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆).

The duration of the training is around 𝟬𝟯 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. During the residential training, several national and international speakers will conduct sessions on different aspects of energy and environmental issues in Bangladesh and guidelines for 𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗔.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀

Opportunity to join hands-on training and research at BWGED and join as a member of the new 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗵.

𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

1) Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Electronic, Environment, Forestry, or relevant subjects.

2) Solid skill in writing articles and essays in English and Bengali.

3) Strong teamwork skills.

4) Age: 18 - 35 years.

𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲

The sessions of the course will be conducted in both Bengali and English. The participants are to follow the language of the course facilitator.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application through the mentioned 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 below before 𝟯𝟭 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 PM.

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: https://forms.gle/HPpw3NTxiZ4W5mzj6

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.