AT A time of growing volatility in global energy markets, energy security has become an increasingly pressing concern for Bangladesh. Disruptions in international fuel supply chains and price fluctuations have exposed the country’s structural dependence on imported energy. The effects are already visible domestically, with fuel shortages, rising costs and pressure on daily economic activity. In this context, questions around how Bangladesh can ensure a stable and affordable energy supply have gained renewed urgency.
Currently, Bangladesh depends on imports for nearly 80 per cent of its energy needs. This heavy reliance makes the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations and geopolitical developments. However, this dependency has also led to renewed discussions about the potential role of domestic energy resources. One such resource is the coal reserve in the Jamalganj coalfield. While it represents a significant domestic deposit, its potential contribution to the country’s energy mix remains a matter of ongoing debate rather than a settled policy direction.
Coal-based power generation already plays a notable role in Bangladesh’s electricity sector. Major power plants such as Payra Thermal Power Plant, Rampal (Maitree) Super Thermal Power Project and Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project contribute significantly to the national grid. However, most of these plants depend on imported coal, primarily from Indonesia, as well as South Africa and Australia. The Barapukuria Power Station remains the only facility using domestic coal. As a result, despite having coal-based infrastructure, Bangladesh continues to face exposure to international supply risks and price volatility.
According to available data, Bangladesh imports approximately 14–15 million tonnes of coal annually, with prices fluctuating significantly in recent years. Additional costs related to transportation, exchange rate pressures and taxation further increase the overall burden. These realities have prompted discussions on whether domestic resources could play a more meaningful role in reducing external dependence.
One of the largest known coal deposits in Bangladesh lies beneath Jamalganj in Joypurhat, discovered in 1962. Estimates suggest reserves ranging from around 1 billion to as much as 5.5 billion tonnes, depending on the study. However, the coalfield is located at a depth of approximately 600 to 1,200 metres, making extraction technically complex and potentially costly. Earlier assessments have also raised concerns about feasibility, although some experts argue that modern underground mining technologies could make extraction possible under certain conditions.
The quality of the coal has been described as relatively high in calorific value, with comparatively lower sulphur content. Nonetheless, such characteristics do not eliminate the broader environmental implications associated with coal extraction and use. Globally, coal remains one of the most carbon-intensive energy sources, and its continued expansion raises concerns in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability.
This creates a clear policy tension. Bangladesh has committed to international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to affordable and clean energy and climate action. At the same time, global financing trends are increasingly moving away from coal-based projects, making large-scale investment in new coal development more uncertain. These factors complicate the case for prioritising coal, even when domestic reserves are significant.
For this reason, the Jamalganj coalfield is perhaps better understood as a strategic consideration rather than an immediate solution. Exploring its feasibility through careful, evidence-based assessment, including options such as limited extraction or alternative technologies, may be warranted. However, any such approach would need to account for environmental costs, economic risks and long-term policy commitments.
At the same time, Bangladesh has already begun pursuing a more diversified energy pathway. Investments in solar power, expansion of LNG-based generation and efforts to enhance regional energy cooperation indicate a gradual shift toward a broader energy mix. Improving energy efficiency and reducing system losses also remain important areas where gains can be achieved without increasing environmental pressures.
In this context, the discussion around Jamalganj should not be framed as a singular solution to the country’s energy challenges. Rather, it should form part of a wider conversation about how Bangladesh balances energy security, economic constraints and environmental responsibilities. Careful planning, policy consistency and diversification will be essential in navigating this complex transition.
Md Sajidur Rahman is a student of electrical and computer engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology.
