Clean Air: A Constitutional Right, not a Luxury
Clean air is a constitutional right that should be guaranteed by effective policies and sustainable energy plans. Speakers at the “Revisiting Energy Policies for Clean Air” policy breakfast, held on May 15, 2025, at the BIP conference hall in Dhaka and organized by Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies – CAPS, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), and Center for Participatory Research and Development – CPRD delivered a key message on energy policies.
Urgency for Realistic Energy Plans
Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Chairman of CAPS, stressed the urgent need for a practical energy plan and a Clean Air Act. He stressed that energy policies should not only focus on megawatts but also consider environmental and public health impacts. “Clean air is a constitutional right, not a luxury,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for financing in renewable energy, accountability, and strong administrative systems.
Impact of Coal-Based Power Plants
Highlighting the detrimental impact of coal-based power projects, Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman, CEO of Dhaka North City Corporation, stated that Bangladesh has started almost seven coal-fired power plant projects, each requiring 700-1,000 acres of mostly agricultural land. “These plants not only contribute to air pollution but also pose serious threats to agriculture and biodiversity,” he added.
Policy Revisions and Local Expertise
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), advised the government to prioritize local experts over foreign consultants in developing energy policies. He advocated for revising the current energy master plan to align with emerging environmental challenges and global sustainability goals.
International Support and Investment
Nyoka Martinez-Backstrom, First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy, highlighted the importance of international partnerships for clean and fair energy transitions. “She stated that if Bangladesh fosters a supportive environment for foreign direct investment and applies systematic solutions, more international partners will likely invest in the sector.”
UNDP’s Recommendations
Jacob Ferdinand, a Green Growth Program Specialist at UNDP Bangladesh, stated that energy policies should include environmental factors to effectively lower air pollution. He warned that without a comprehensive energy plan, Bangladesh might struggle to achieve its sustainable development targets.
Policy Implementation Gaps
Md. Saifur Rahman, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bangladesh, pointed out that many laws and policies exist, but their implementation is weak. He suggested the development of tools for policy enforcement, green financing mechanisms, and international coordination to achieve environmental goals.
Urban Planning and Energy Efficiency
Urban planner Adil Muhammad Khan highlighted that most of Bangladesh’s energy generation is fossil fuel-based. He proposed expanding public transport systems and renewable energy adoption to reduce urban air pollution.
Global Alignment of Local Policies
CPRD’s CEO Md. Shamsuddoha emphasized the importance of aligning national policies with global development agendas for inclusive and progressive policy frameworks.
The Path Forward
The policy breakfast underscored the urgency of integrating environmental considerations into energy planning. Stakeholders emphasized that clean air must be prioritized as a constitutional right, requiring actionable policy frameworks, local expertise, international support, and strategic investments in renewable energy and sustainable urban planning.
