Shafiqul Alam

Dhaka

Bureau Chief, Dhaka at Agence France-Presse (AFP)

Bureau Chief, AFP, dhaka

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Articles

We must be economical in our energy use

2 months ago | thedailystar.net | Shafiqul Alam

Bangladesh faces another summer of surging power demand. This year, the irrigation season and Ramadan both coincide with summer, adding to the demand. In the face of this challenge, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources's (MPEMR) efforts to enforce energy efficiency among consumers to curb demand growth appear short-sighted. The ministry's recent circular restricts private and public sectors from setting air conditioners (ACs) below 25 degrees Celsius.
Driving Bangladesh Bank’s low-cost green refinance schemes

Feb 22, 2025 | thedailystar.net | Shafiqul Alam

Clean energy solutions require a significant commitment of capital from the private sector. Bangladesh Bank's low-cost green refinance schemes, offered at interest rates of up to five percent, can enable the private sector to channel this capital towards clean energy projects. These low-cost schemes increase the viability of clean energy projects as opposed to loans offered at market rates.
How carbon markets can drive Bangladesh’s green transition

Jan 23, 2025 | thedailystar.net | Shafiqul Alam

With the flow of international climate finance still slow, carbon markets, supported by results-based finance, will likely pave the way for developing and least developed countries to incentivise emission reductions. The approval of Article 6 at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has finally laid the foundation for a global carbon market.
100 Days: CA’s Press Secretary lists key achievements

Nov 22, 2024 | dhakacourier.com.bd | Shafiqul Alam |Anisul Islam

In my opinion, here are the key achievements of the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led Interim Government after completing 100 days in power: 1. Smooth Transition Obaidul Quader once said that if Hasina was ousted from power, hundreds of thousands of people would be killed. Well, Hasina is overthrown from power. But how many people were killed?
Pollution tax can help promote clean energy transition

Aug 26, 2024 | htsyndication.com | Shafiqul Alam

Dhaka, Aug. 27 -- With per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of 1.29 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) against the global average of 4.58tCO2e (2019 levels), Bangladesh's contribution to climate change is low. Nonetheless, inefficient and traditional technologies often cause high levels of pollution, inflicting additional costs on the economy. In view of this, the introduction of a pollution tax for environmentally damaging sectors can help the government generate revenue.
Pollution tax can help promote clean energy transition

Aug 26, 2024 | thefinancialexpress.com.bd | Shafiqul Alam

With per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of 1.29 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) against the global average of 4.58tCO2e (2019 levels), Bangladesh's contribution to climate change is low. Nonetheless, inefficient and traditional technologies often cause high levels of pollution, inflicting additional costs on the economy. In view of this, the introduction of a pollution tax for environmentally damaging sectors can help the government generate revenue.
Navigating energy efficiency for Bangladesh’s energy security

Aug 25, 2024 | thedailystar.net | Shafiqul Alam

According to the International Energy Agency, a fundamental tenet of energy security is having a steady supply of energy at reasonable prices. Between 2009 and 2024, Bangladesh primarily focused on scaling up power infrastructure, while efforts to develop energy resources fell short. The country's exposure to the volatile international fossil fuel market increased during this time, leading to challenges in maintaining a steady energy and power supply.
Police back on Bangladesh capital's streets as strike ends

Aug 12, 2024 | nst.com.my | Sean Gleeson |Shafiqul Alam - |Shafiqul Alam

DHAKA: Bangladeshi police resumed patrols of the capital Dhaka on Monday, ending a weeklong strike that left a law and order vacuum following the abrupt ouster of autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina. Officers vanished from the streets of the sprawling megacity of 20 million people last week after Hasina's resignation and flight abroad ended her 15-year rule.
Police Back On Bangladesh Capital's Streets As Strike Ends

Aug 12, 2024 | barrons.com | Sean Gleeson |Shafiqul Alam

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New Bangladesh govt says working to 'resolve' attacks on minorities

Aug 11, 2024 | philstar.com | Shafiqul Alam |Sean Gleeson

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh's new interim government said Sunday it was working to resolve attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities reported after the dramatic ouster of autocratic premier Sheikh Hasina. Hindus are the largest minority faith in mostly Muslim Bangladesh and are considered a steadfast support base for Hasina's party, the Awami League.