Protection of environment, renewable energy stressed

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RAJSHAHI, Nov 24, 2017 (BSS) – Taking part in a 70-kilometer bicycle rally here yesterday, large number of youths raised voice for substantial and sustainable protection of environment and renewable energy for safeguarding both climate and life.

They said there is an enormous scope of reducing the gradually mounting pressure on fossil fuel through increasing the use of renewable energies in both rural and urban areas.

Time has come to protect the natural resources including the wetlands and water bodies for preserving bio-diversity of the country, they added.

Starting from Rajshahi city, the cycle rally passed through various points like Baya, Naohata, Duary, Bagdhani, Chanduria, Kaligonj and Kashem Bazar and street-corner meetings were also held at different points.

Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), a collective initiative for participatory research, policy advocacy and campaign, and 0.6 17 GRZ (Gravity Riders), a youth organization, jointly organised the campaign.

The aim of the rally is to inspire the youths towards promoting and protecting the renewable energies.

On completion of the rally, the youths joined a discussion titled ‘Fuel in Barind Area: Crisis and Prosper’ held at Tanore Upazila Headquarters.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shawkat Ali, Upazila Vice-chairman Bandana Rani Pramanik, Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiqul Islam, Education Officer Shamim Ahmed and GRZ’s Zubayer Hossain addressed the meeting.

During his concept paper presentation, Shahidul Islam, Researcher and Regional Coordinator of BARCIK, said emphasis should be given to enrich the renewable energy sources to face the energy challenges.

He emphasised the need for wide-ranging use of energy efficient products to reduce the existing pressure on power demands.

Shawkat Ali said there is no alternative to protect natural resources for safeguarding environment.