Carrying the slogan “No Future Without Nature”, more than hundred young people took to the streets demanding a fossil fuel-free world. The climate strike was held on Friday morning at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, marking the Global Climate Strike. The programme brought together young representatives from 30 youth organisations across the country and eight global platform youth hubs, alongside ActionAid Bangladesh. During the demonstration, young climate activists called for an immediate end to fossil fuel dependency and demanded a systematic shift towards renewable energy through a just transition.

As part of the protest, demonstrators displayed a giant “monster” made from discarded plastic, symbolising the devastating impact of plastic pollution and fossil fuels on the environment. Activists also staged a symbolic performance wearing masks to highlight the health risks associated with fossil fuel use. A rally was later held along Manik Mia Avenue following the gathering.

Alongside Dhaka, thousands of young people joined the movement in 27 other districts across the country. Members of the ‘Activista’ network organised marches and rallies in different parts of the country, including Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet, demanding climate justice.

Highlighting grassroots concerns, climate activist Nipa Saha said, “Emissions from fossil fuels are making our air toxic. To save the country from becoming uninhabitable, we must reduce our dependence on coal and oil without delay.”

Another activist, Imran Ahmed Emon, stressed the need to ensure women’s leadership and rights in addressing the climate crisis. He said, “Women are among the worst affected by climate change, yet their voices are heard the least. Ensuring women’s leadership and rights is now essential for climate solutions rooted in justice. This Global Climate Strike is amplifying that demand for equality.”

Expressing solidarity with the movement, Md Nazmul Ahsan, Youth, Resilience and Climate Justice Team Lead at  ActionAid Bangladesh, said, “Access to energy is a fundamental human right. To ensure environmental sustainability, increased investment in renewable energy instead of fossil fuels is essential. We stand with young people in their struggle to shape their own future.”

The Global Climate Strike is observed worldwide every year under the ‘Fund Our Future’ campaign. In Bangladesh, a broad coalition of youth organisations joined the movement in solidarity with the ‘Fund Our Future’ campaign of  ActionAid Bangladesh and the call of .

The movement demanding an end to harmful fossil fuels and greater investment in renewable energy includes Ashar Alo Youth Welfare Association, Climate Frontier, EcoBangla, Future Flare Foundation, Green Peace Youth Deployment Society, Janakallayan Shangstha, Kashful Foundation, Mission Green Bangladesh, OAB Foundation (Over All Bangladesh Foundation), Odommo’19 Youth Foundation, Rongmohol for Youth, Rupnator, Society for Action and Development Alternative (SADA), Sharub Youth Team, SHBO (Service for Human Being Organization), Shopno Proyash Jubo Sangstha, Shurjodoy Youth Society, The Nutrification, The Shundarbans, United National Cultural Organization for Rural Area (UNCORA), Weave Bangladesh, Youth Action for Social Development. (YASD), Young Climate Action Network (YOUCAN), Youth Action for Development (YAD), Youth for Uplift Bangladesh.