Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and allied organizations expressed strong concern Monday that the interim government has failed to lay the foundation for transitioning the country’s energy system toward renewable or clean energy.
They also urged political parties participating in the upcoming national election to completely restructure the draft Energy and Power Sector Master Plan (EPSMP) 2025 by involving civil society, independent experts, and relevant stakeholders, with a clear focus on renewable energy.
The call came during a human chain in front of the National Parliament at Manik Mia Avenue to observe the International Day of Clean Energy 2026.
At the event, Ashna Islam, assistant coordinator of TIB’s Energy Governance division, presented a concept paper highlighting the importance of renewable energy and good governance in the sector. Participants included Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Karmojibi Nari, DHORA, ActionAid Bangladesh, ETI Bangladesh, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action (CLEAN), Participatory Research and Action Network (PRAN), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), CPD, BILS, CAB, BSREA, BGEF, BAPA, The Earth Society, BEI, BARCIK, CAPS, and MRDI. The event was moderated by Newazul Moula, Coordinator of Energy Governance, TIB.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman criticized the interim government for failing to take initiatives to establish a clean energy foundation that could have been carried forward by a subsequent elected government.
“The government must explain why this did not happen and issue a white paper detailing national achievements under the interim chief’s globally recognized ‘Three Zero’ initiative: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions,” he said.
The TIB ED also said the draft energy master plan remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels and lacks clear guidelines for transitioning to clean energy. “Neglecting this is unacceptable. Decision-makers must consider the existential and national security risks posed by carbon pollution–driven climate change. The draft EPSMP 2025, prepared without stakeholder engagement, risks institutionalizing governance deficits, including fossil fuel–biased policy capture, conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and corruption. I urge the incoming government to overhaul the plan through a participatory process and develop an action plan to achieve zero carbon emissions.”
TIB first observed the International Day of Clean Energy in Bangladesh last year to raise awareness about renewable energy. This year, the organization is conducting programs at local and national levels. Members of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC), Active Citizens Group (ACG), and Youth Engagement and Support (YES) in 45 districts and sub-districts are conducting awareness campaigns, public rallies, human chains, and discussions on renewable energy production and usage.
To ensure good governance and an effective renewable energy transition, TIB recommended:
- Formulating a realistic roadmap for electricity generation from renewable sources, with uniform targets across all policies, including the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.
- Creating an investment framework for production, supply, and technological innovation prioritizing renewable energy.
- Following transparent processes for environmental clearances and pollution monitoring for energy projects.
- Disclosing all project proposals and contracts signed with international, regional, and domestic institutions.
- Simplifying net-metered solar installations for industrial and residential consumers, implementing feed-in tariffs, providing incentives, and ensuring all project approvals and contracts remain free of conflicts of interest.
