Ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 polls, civil society groups urge political parties to pledge energy self-reliance and climate justice through a nationwide citizen manifesto and candidate engagement campaign before national elections
Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election in 2026, Bangladeshi civil society organisations have called on political parties and candidates to state their commitments to energy self-reliance and climate justice clearly.
As part of their advocacy efforts, citizens’ expectations and policy recommendations were presented to parliamentary candidates from various political parties in the districts of Barishal and Jhalokathi. YouthNet Global led the initiative in collaboration with the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh and ActionAid Bangladesh.
Participants included Manisha Chakraborty, the Bangladesh Socialist Party and Democratic United Front nominated candidate for Barishal 5 Sadar, and Mufti Syed Mohammad Faizul Karim, candidate for Islami Andolon Bangladesh for the same constituency. In Jhalokathi 1 Kathalia Rajapur, the manifesto was shared with Rafiqul Islam Jamal, nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and Advocate Md Rubel Howlader from Jatiya Party.
Under the campaign, a 14-point citizen manifesto titled Reclaiming Power: A Citizen Manifesto for a Just Energy Transition in Bangladesh has been submitted to nearly 300 parliamentary candidates and public representatives across 100 constituencies nationwide. Civil society coalition members stated that energy justice must be central to electoral commitments if Bangladesh is to achieve an equitable and sustainable future, emphasising that political accountability begins with clear promises made before elections.
The Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh and ActionAid Bangladesh jointly organised the nationwide outreach. Representatives from over 100 member organisations conducted meetings across all eight divisions, engaging candidates from major political parties as well as independents. During these engagements, the manifesto was formally handed over and expressions of solidarity and endorsements were collected in writing.
The organisers said the initiative aims to ensure that issues such as energy security, equity and climate justice are reflected in party manifestos and future policies. The campaign also seeks to amplify the voices of climate-vulnerable communities whose concerns are often overlooked despite bearing the heaviest impacts of climate change and energy insecurity.
Earlier, on 2 February 2026, the manifesto was unveiled at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The document advocates for greater public ownership of the energy sector, accelerated investment in renewable energy and a sustainable and inclusive transition that protects livelihoods and community rights.
Energy experts and civil society representatives said this advocacy effort could help shape a fair and people-centred transformation of Bangladesh’s energy sector. They noted that the endorsements collected from candidates could be instrumental in holding elected representatives accountable in parliament and policy forums after the election.
The Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh is a national platform comprising 155 civil society organisations working towards a just and inclusive energy transition, with ActionAid Bangladesh serving as the network’s secretariat.
