A coalition of ten environmental and social organizations demonstrated a rally urging the World Bank to halt investments in fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy at the Central Shaheed Minar in Cox’s Bazar on October 23.
Speakers at the rally strongly criticized the World Bank and other international financial institutions, accusing them of failing to live up to their climate action promises by continuing to fund fossil fuel projects like the 800 MW Rupsha power plant.
Omar Faruq, founder of We Can Cox’s Bazar, said that, as the future of Cox’s Bazar’s coastal population hangs in the balance, continued investment in fossil fuels is unacceptable.
He also said that rising sea levels, increased salinity, and extreme weather are already threatening livelihoods in the area.
Labeling renewable energy as the only solution, speakers highlighted the potential benefits of renewable energy investments, including job creation, reduced carbon emissions, and improved electricity access in rural areas.
The participant organizations included We Can Cox’s Bazar, The Earth, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), and others.
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