Baku: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the establishment of a South Asian grid to facilitate the distribution of hydroelectricity produced in Nepal and Bhutan. In a meeting with the Social Business Group at the climate conference in Baku, Yunus emphasized the untapped hydroelectric potential of the Himalayan nations due to the absence of interconnected electricity grids among Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nepalese officials have indicated that the country could generate up to 40,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, potentially reducing the dependency on fossil fuels in larger countries like India and Bangladesh. Yunus highlighted that Bangladesh could easily access this hydroelectricity, being only 40 miles from Nepal, and noted that Nepalese hydroelectricity would be a cost-effective option. He urged the countries to consider developing a South Asian grid. Participating in the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan, Yunus outlined Bangladesh 's prioritization of water management to prevent floods and optimize water use for economic growth. He emphasized the importance of managing water resources in harmony with nature. Addressing the social business meeting, Yunus also mentioned the interim government's focus on youth development and educational reform. He announced plans for a youth festival in January, coinciding with the annual T20 BPL cricket tournament organized by the country's cricket board. The festival is expected to feature FIFA President Gianni Infantino and IOC President Thomas Bach, with plans also underway for a women's football tournament. Yunus detailed efforts to hold the festival nationwide and discussed the interim government's reform initiatives following the July-August mass uprising, which ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year dictatorship. He also addressed key issues at COP29 and Bangladesh's ongoing negotiations on carbon credits.
