Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged the creation of a South Asia grid to share hydroelectric power from Nepal and Bhutan.

Speaking at a climate conference in Baku, he highlighted that the hydroelectric potential of these Himalayan countries remained largely untapped due to the absence of connecting grids between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Nepal officials have said the country has the potential to generate 40,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which can help lessen the reliance on fossil fuels in bigger countries such as India and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh can easily access hydroelectricity from Nepal, as it is only 40 miles away, and Nepalese hydroelectricity would be cost-effective, Professor Yunus said.

He urged Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan to consider establishing a South Asian grid.

Attending the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Chief Adviser said that Bangladesh prioritises water management to prevent flooding and optimise water use for economic growth.

‘Water is our main environmental concern. We must manage it in a way that supports nature,’ he emphasised.

Professor Yunus said that the Interim Government was prioritising youth development and reforming the education system.

He announced plans for a national youth festival in January, coinciding with the annual T20 BPL cricket tournament organised by the country’s cricket board.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and IOC president Thomas Bach are expected to attend, and a women’s football tournament is also being arranged.

‘We aim to bring the festival to all regions of the country,’ he said.

Professor Yunus also discussed the government’s reform initiatives and the July-August mass uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year dictatorship.

He also talked about the key issues in the COP29 and Bangladesh’s current negotiations over carbon credits.