By Monika Paik and Maruf Hossain Milon from Satkhira
Communities in Bangladesh’s southwestern coastal region are facing an increasing fuel crisis due to rising salinity, environmental degradation, and frequent natural disasters. Women are among the most affected, as traditional sources of cooking fuel are disappearing.
In order to raise awareness about sustainable solutions, a Rural Fuel Fair and Exhibition was held recently in Abad Chandipur village of Burigoalini Union, organized by Pankhali Farmers’ Organization, Green Coalition, and BARCIK. Farmers from Abad Chandipur and Pankhali villages displayed around 268 types of locally available fuel, including cow dung cakes, fuel pellets, torches, tree branches, leaves, straw, crop residues, floating plants, and dry grass.
The exhibition highlighted traditional fuel collection methods, the causes of fuel scarcity, and the importance of conserving natural resources. UP Member Mahatab Uddin stressed that excessive use of firewood is depleting forests and warned that failure to conserve fuel resources will worsen the crisis for future generations.
Rising salinity has also intensified women’s struggles to access both safe water and cooking fuel, increasing health and livelihood risks. While women are adopting climate-resilient agriculture and renewable energy solutions, limited support and awareness continue to hinder progress in addressing the coastal fuel crisis.
