Energy experts at a public talk urged Bangladesh to plan a proper shift to renewable power and to make sure the change is fair for workers and communities, a move that aims to cut costs and create steady green jobs. The discussion, held at a national museum and organised by nine green platforms, began with a clear call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to stop heavy spending on idle power plants that raise bills and waste public money. According to speakers, earlier decisions resulted in the nation incurring costs for unutilized plants and spending significant amounts on fuel and subsidies, while everyday citizens continue to experience difficulties with power supply. They warned that short-term gains from cheap fossil imports can lead to long-term losses if new plants become stranded assets that cost the state and the economy. The experts urged a fair transition that protects workers and towns that depend on old industries, and they called for social safety steps like retraining, wage support and help to move workers into new green jobs. Practical measures were highlighted: make a clear roadmap for power generation, speed up green projects that fit local needs, improve grid rules so solar and wind can join the system smoothly, and plan for storage and flexible power so supply stays steady when the sun or wind changes. They also stressed better procurement and planning to avoid paying for unused capacity and to keep bills lower. Finance ideas included green bonds, concessional loans and private partnerships to bring funds without heavy short-term costs, plus incentives that help local firms make parts for panels and turbines so more value stays in the country. Energy efficiency, better demand planning and modernising lines and distribution were offered as cheap, fast ways to cut waste and free room for more clean power. The talk urged clear rules that give investors confidence while keeping public interests safe, and it asked banks and planners to back smaller, local projects that bring jobs beyond big cities. Speakers said students and civil groups must join planning so communities get a voice and benefits reach towns that need work. They noted that cleaner power will cut pollution, lower household costs over time, and make industry more competitive if energy stays reliable and affordable. While the experts warned that the shift needs care and funding, their message was hopeful: with steady policy, fair support for workers, local industry building and smart finance, Bangladesh can shift towards cleaner energy, strengthen local economies, and provide everyone with more reliable power.
