Three-day RIMA conference begins in Dhaka

The three-day Regional Infrastructure Monitoring Alliance (RIMA) conference began in Dhaka on Sunday.

The conference is being organized by the Coastal Livelihoods and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN).

Environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan inaugurated the conference that brought together activists, researchers, and policymakers from across South Asia and beyond to discuss the concept of a just transition, sustainable investment, and environmental governance in the region.

“Development must respect environmental laws, transparency, and land rights,” a press release said, quoting Rizwana.

“We want electricity, but never at the cost of destroying our environment. Bangladesh stands at a crossroads — development must prioritise people. Foreign investment is only sustainable when rooted in participation, transparency, and accountability,” Rizwana said.

“We are at a pivotal moment in history, a time of transformation that demands a decisive shift from fossil fuels to green and clean energy,” the press release quoted Hasan Mehedi, chief executive of CLEAN, as saying at the inaugural session.

Nora Sausmikat from Urgewald, Germany, and Vidya Dinker from Growthwatch, India, joined the panel, focusing on the regional dimensions of energy transition, geopolitical realignments, and civil society collaboration. Nora highlighted the importance of sustaining regional networks amid growing global tensions, while Vidya underscored the shared struggle for environmental justice in South Asia.

Over the next three days, the conference will explore themes including just transition, renewable energy governance, and regional cooperation for sustainable development.