KATHMANDU, MARCH 7

A high-profile delegation of renewable energy and development experts met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka on Monday to discuss advancing Bangladesh's renewable energy sector and strengthening regional energy cooperation.

Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus reaffirmed the Bangladesh government's strong commitment to green energy, emphasizing both short-term and long-term strategies. He reiterated that Bangladesh is prepared to import any capacity of electricity generated in Nepal and underscored the need for developing common infrastructure between Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan as a long-term plan for sustainability and cost-effectiveness. 'At our core, we are dedicated to promoting renewable energy and driving green industrialization,' he stated.

The delegation included former Norwegian Minister for Development and Environment Erik Solheim, Vice-Chair of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Sushil Pokharel, and ProClime Founder & CEO Kavin Kumar Kandasamy, alongside other clean energy experts. Discussions focused on advancing investments in small-scale solar plants, small hydropower projects, pumped storage project, carbon markets, and agroforestry to expand Bangladesh's clean energy footprint.

Former Minister and climate champion Erik Solheim emphasized Bangladesh's immense potential in green industries. He stated, 'We discussed leveraging the carbon market for mangrove restoration, afforestation, and eco-agriculture while expanding solar energy, pumped storage, and a hydropower partnership with Nepal and India to drive sustainable growth.' The discussions align with Bangladesh's broader strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio and enhance international collaboration in sustainable development.

Sushil Pokharel, Vice-Chair of IHA, highlighted the potential of cross-border electricity trade, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing dependence on fossil fuels. He noted that Bangladesh could significantly benefit from importing Nepal's surplus hydropower, with India facilitating regional energy cooperation. Pokharel reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for stronger Bangladesh-Nepal energy partnerships.

The high-level delegation also held meetings with top policymakers, including Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser for the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Forest and Environment, Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser for Agriculture, Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

These discussions focused on policy frameworks, foreign investment in renewable energy, and regional energy cooperation, reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to sustainable industrialization and green growth.