A protest rally was held today at Shyamoli Park Ground in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, calling on the Japanese government and private investors to halt funding in coal and LNG projects across Asia, including Bangladesh.

The demonstration was organised under the banner of “Dharti Rokkhay Amra (DHARA)” along with 17 other environmental and civic organisations.

The protestors urged Japan to redirect its investments from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Japanese government agencies and financial institutions like METI, JBIC, and JICA are currently funding coal and LNG-based power plants in four Asian countries—Bangladesh being one of them.

Speakers at the rally stated that such investments are contributing to fossil fuel dependency and obstructing energy transition and environmental sustainability in South and Southeast Asia.

With key investment decisions expected this June by the Japanese government and its allied organisations, activists urged Japan to reconsider and support renewable alternatives.

Participating organisations included Bangladesh Krishok Federation, BRIGHTERS, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD), Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), EquityBD, Global Law Thinkers Society (GLTS), Khasi Students Union (KSU), Mission Green Bangladesh, Organization for Climate Resilience and Environment Conservation (OCREC), Sachetan Foundation, Save Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, Young Climate Action Network (UCAN), 350.org, River Bangla, and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of DHARA, explained that Japan finalises investment strategies in June, and there are plans to expand LNG terminals in Bangladesh, which the protesters strongly oppose. “We demand Japan shift toward renewable energy projects,” he said.

Abdul Karim Kim of Surma River Waterkeeper called DHARA a vital platform against Japan’s deceptive investments globally and thanked allied groups for joining the protest.

Nikhil Chandra Bhodro of the Save Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement highlighted that fossil fuels are driving climate change, displacing thousands from their homes and livelihoods. He urged the interim government to act responsibly.

A.S.M. Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishok Federation noted Japan’s billion-dollar investments in Bangladesh’s energy sector and warned of its harmful effects, such as drought and desertification in northern regions. He emphasized the potential for renewable energy in Bangladesh.

Mission Green Bangladesh volunteers performed a flash mob illustrating how corporate interests are destroying nature, while also showcasing the role of environmental activists in resisting these forces.

Saidur Rahman Siam from BRIGHTERS stated that Japan’s LNG expansion is accelerating carbon emissions and misleading nations like Bangladesh.

Mehnaz Mala from “Chalan Beel Rokkhay Amra” said climate change is threatening ecosystems like Chalan Beel, where farmers are facing unbearable conditions and erratic rainfall patterns.

Judhishthir Chandra Bishwas from UCAN emphasized the youth’s desire for a clean and healthy future, free from fossil fuel investments.

Nur Ataya Rabbi from CPRD held Japan accountable for rising carbon emissions and accused it of violating its climate commitments by continuing harmful projects in developing countries.

Blessmy Bare from Khasi Students Union highlighted how indigenous communities are deeply connected to nature and suffer directly from environmental changes.

The event also featured a mime performance by Shaon Mime Academy, portraying the devastating impacts of fossil fuel use on the environment, people, and livelihoods.

Protesters urged the Japanese government to stop pushing Asian countries toward fossil fuels and instead revise its policies and practices to support a just transition toward renewable energy across the region.