Dhaka: As Bangladesh gears up for its 13th national parliamentary election, youth climate activists are making a fervent appeal for political parties to place climate justice and a just transition at the forefront of their election platforms.
According to United News of Bangladesh, YouthNet Global, a prominent youth-led climate organisation, asserts that the nation’s climate trajectory will be determined by the choices made at the ballot box.
YouthNet Global emphasized the multifaceted nature of a just transition in a statement, declaring, “Just transition is not only an environmental agenda. It is about social justice, economic resilience, and climate security.” The organisation is calling on political leaders to safeguard livelihoods, ensure water security, and protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts.
The organisation has outlined specific expectations for political parties, urging them to establish clear policies for responsibly phasing out high-emission industries, promoting renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing social protection for communities affected by climate change, involving youth and women in climate initiatives, and upholding workers’ rights in the emerging green economy.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, stated, “Bangladesh has the vision, talent, and resilience to turn climate challenges into a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. Embedding just transition into party platforms is not just a policy choice; it is a promise of opportunity, dignity, and hope for the future.”
Bangladesh, with its low-lying delta geography and a population exceeding 170 million, faces significant climate risks, including rising sea levels, floods, cyclones, river erosion, and salinity intrusion. These challenges disproportionately affect women, children, and marginalized communities, with many families forced to relocate to urban slums.
Recent studies highlight additional threats from rising global temperatures and extreme heat, which could undermine public health, labor productivity, and economic stability. Pollution in urban areas and waterways further exacerbates the environmental burden, increasing health risks from climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue.
As the election approaches, political parties are beginning to integrate climate commitments into their platforms. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to undertake tree planting, canal excavation, and address climate-related loss and damage. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh has promised to focus on environmental protection, flood risk reduction, and promoting youth and women’s leadership in climate management. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has proposed expanding renewable energy, phasing out polluting brick kilns, and mandating effluent treatment for industries. Islami Andolon Bangladesh has highlighted disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and environmental resilience.
A critical concern for Bangladesh is its energy dependency, with the nation relying on fossil fuels for 97 percent of its energy needs, nearly 70 percent of which is imported at a significant cost of approximately 150,000 crore Taka annually. YouthNet Global has urged the next government to devise plans for sustainable, affordable, and climate-resilient energy solutions to reduce import dependency.
The organisation underscores that a just transition involves a socially inclusive shift to a low-carbon economy, ensuring the protection of worker rights and creating opportunities in green jobs, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Bangladesh has already incorporated these principles into its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) submitted to the UNFCCC.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has also called on political parties to present clear roadmaps for environmental protection and climate resilience within their election manifestos. She urged the youth to hold elected leaders accountable for their commitments.
The upcoming election in Bangladesh is being closely monitored by youth activists, civil society, and climate-affected communities as a pivotal moment for advancing climate policy, social equity, and sustainable development.