Dhaka, 20 September 2026: The South Asia Regional Parliamentary Forum for Climate, Energy and Environment (SARPF) held a parliamentary dialogue in Bangladesh on “Shaping the Climate and Energy Agenda in Bangladesh: A Parliamentarians’ Dialogue.” The dialogue brought together several Bangladeshi parliamentarians, policymakers, government officials and experts to discuss Bangladesh’s climate challenges, energy transition and the role of parliamentary engagement in shaping a climate-resilient and energy-secure future.

The dialogue was attended by Hon. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and Chief Guest; Hon. Shaikh Faridul Islam, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Dr. Md Saimum Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, along with Members of Parliament, senior government officials and experts.

Hon. Barrister Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, welcomed the dialogue in her opening remarks. Hon. Fazley Huda Babul, Member of Parliament, moderated the meeting.

The dialogue included presentations on Bangladesh’s climate change risks and opportunities by Mr. Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), and on Bangladesh’s energy transition and future outlook by Dr. Ashraful Alam, Joint Secretary, Sustainable Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA). The presentations were followed by discussion and comments from participating Members of Parliament.

In his keynote address, Dr. Md Saimum Parvez emphasised the importance of inclusive and evidence-based policymaking. Reflecting on the dialogue, he said:

“Bangladesh’s climate future must be shaped through inclusive policymaking, scientific evidence and the meaningful participation of communities, especially young people.”

He further highlighted the connection between climate action, national resilience and energy security.

Hon. Shaikh Faridul Islam, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing energy transition and noted the Government’s target of generating 10,000 MW of solar power by 2030. He also referred to the Government’s tree-planting programme and Bangladesh’s position on the responsibilities of developed and industrialised countries for global environmental pollution.

The dialogue concluded with an address by Hon. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and Chief Guest, who called for concerted efforts to build a climate-resilient, energy-secure and sustainable Bangladesh and South Asia. Emphasising the role of parliamentarians, he said:

“The climate crisis has no geographical boundaries.”

He called for effective legislation, stronger parliamentary oversight, international climate finance and technological assistance for vulnerable countries.

The meeting also marked an important step in SARPF’s engagement with Bangladesh. As a South Asian, parliamentarian-led network on climate, energy and environment, SARPF seeks to facilitate dialogue among parliamentarians, connect national priorities with regional discussions, and provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and experience across South Asia.

Prof. Mukul Sharma and Dr. Sumedha Basu, Co-Directors of SARPF, expressed their appreciation to the Speaker, Minister, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, experts and government officials for their participation and noted the importance of continuing parliamentary engagement on Bangladesh’s climate, energy and environmental priorities.