Published: 27 January 2025
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the government to formulate a new master plan free from the influence of domestic and international fossil fuel lobbyists because the current energy master plan depends heavily on fossil fuels, a reliance that must shift toward renewable energy to address climate change and achieve sustainable energy.
Marking the "International Clean Energy Day 2025", TIB organized a human chain in front of the National Parliament in Dhaka, urging the government to transition from fossil fuels and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. TIB emphasized eliminating policy capture, conflicts of interest, and corruption in the energy sector. TIB-inspired groups—Committee of Concerned Citizens (CCC), Active Citizens Group (ACG), and Youth Engagement and Support (YES)—organized various activities, including human chains, rallies, road shows, and public discussions across 45 upazilas and districts.
In line with this year’s theme, “Clean Energy for a Brighter Future,” TIB presented 12 recommendations to promote good governance in the energy sector of Bangladesh during the human chain. Speaking at the human chain, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “One of the foundations of the power structure and beneficiaries of the fallen authoritarian and kleptocratic government were the domestic and foreign lobbies, who are to blame for capturing the policy framework. As a result, the energy master plan deliberately promotes fossil fuel dependency due to vested interests, effectively undermining the transition to renewable energy. To honor national and international commitments and pave the way for a future based on clean and renewable energy, it is essential to free the policy framework from the grip of fossil fuel interest groups. We urge the interim government to take immediate steps to formulate a phased master plan aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy-based electricity generation by 2050. This plan must include a clear, time-bound roadmap for implementation and ensure the active involvement of experts and stakeholders free from conflicts of interest.”
Despite Bangladesh's commitments to reducing fossil fuel dependency, the country remains heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports, which are neither environmentally friendly nor sustainable. According to TIB, the existing energy master plan is not aligned with national and international commitments and prioritizes import-based coal and LNG power plants over the development of local resources. Research by TIB identified conflicts of interest, policy capture, abuse of power, corruption, and a lack of good governance as major challenges in the energy sector.
TIB also proposed creating an independent oversight authority, comprising experts and civil society representatives, to ensure accountability, prevent conflicts of interest, and curb policy capture in the energy sector. Additionally, TIB recommended enacting specific laws under the Environment Act to monitor environmental impact assessments and ensure transparency in the approval process. It also urged granting autonomy to the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and strengthening its technical and institutional capacity to lead Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition.