Bangladesh is considering joining the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), an international initiative led by India and the United States, reported Tbsnews.
The GBA was launched in July 2023 and aims to foster collaboration in the adoption of sustainable biofuels. India, the United States, and Brazil are already signatories to the alliance.
Bangladesh is not a member of any global alliance led by the United States. If Bangladesh joins the GBA, it would be the first such alliance that will facilitate close interactions between the two countries on common grounds.
Bangladesh is reportedly reviewing India’s proposal, and discussions on the matter may take place during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India on September 8.
Biofuels, produced from biomass, are renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels in various applications, including transportation, heating, and electricity generation.
While experts acknowledge that joining the GBA should pose no obstacles for Bangladesh, they emphasize the need for Bangladesh to contribute within its capacity and ensure that biofuel production does not compromise food security. Biofuels are typically derived from crops like corn, and countries with significant agricultural resources, such as Brazil and the USA, have a more extensive capacity for biofuel production.
It’s worth noting that the GBA aims to support the global development and deployment of sustainable biofuels, provide technical support for national biofuels programs, promote policy sharing, and enhance capacity-building across the biofuels value chain. The alliance seeks to address and improve public perceptions of biofuels and encourage the exchange of best practices.
