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On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a protest rally was held at Shyamoli Park Ground in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, demanding that the Japanese government and private investors cease funding coal and LNG projects. Organized by Dhoroitree Rokkhay Amra (DHARA), the event saw participation from approximately 17 environmental organizations in Bangladesh.
The rally targeted Japan’s government and private institutions such as METI, JBIC, and JICA, which are investing in fossil fuel projects, including coal power plants and LNG terminals, in four Asian countries, including Bangladesh. These investments are seen as a major obstacle to energy transition and security in South and Southeast Asia. With critical investment decisions scheduled for June 2025, the rally urged a shift toward renewable energy investments.
Participating organizations included DHARA, Bangladesh Krishak Federation, BRIGHTERS, CPRD, CAPS, Equitibd, GLTS, Khasi Students Union, Missionnos Mission Green Bangladesh, OCREC, Socheton Foundation, Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement, UCAN, Thrififty.org, River Bangla, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Sharif Jamil, Central Member Secretary of DHARA, emphasized, “Japan is planning to expand LNG terminals in Bangladesh, which we oppose. We want investments in renewable energy projects instead.” Abdul Karim Kim of Surma River Waterkeeper noted, “Protests against Japan’s misleading investments are happening globally. We thank all partner organizations for joining this cause in Bangladesh.”
Nikhil Chandra Bhadra from Sundarban and Coastal Protection Movement highlighted the adverse effects of climate change due to fossil fuels, stating, “People are losing livelihoods due to climate change. We hope the interim government will take action.” ASM Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishak Federation added, “Climate change is causing droughts and desertification in northern Bangladesh. Japan should focus on renewable energy investments.”
Volunteers from Mission Green Bangladesh performed a flash mob to illustrate the environmental destruction caused by fossil fuel investments. A mime performance by Shaon Mime Academy depicted the harmful impacts of fossil fuels on the environment and livelihoods.
Speakers at the rally called on Japan to stop pushing Bangladesh and other Asian nations toward fossil fuels and urged its institutions to shift policies toward renewable energy transitions.
AI/MR
