Civil society groups in Bangladesh unveiled a 14-point energy justice manifesto, urging political parties to cut fossil fuel reliance, expand renewables, ensure affordability, and adopt a just net-zero transition nationwide.
Civil society organisations in Bangladesh have unveiled a 14-point citizen manifesto calling for energy sovereignty and climate justice, urging political parties contesting the upcoming national elections to adopt ambitious reforms in the country’s energy sector.
Bangladesh’s energy sector has faced increasing challenges due to rising import costs and volatility in global fossil fuel markets. Speakers said accelerating renewable energy deployment and strengthening governance frameworks could help improve energy security while supporting the country’s climate commitments.
ActionAid Bangladesh and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh presented the manifesto at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Monday, highlighting the need to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
The manifesto calls on political parties to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to formulate an integrated National Energy Transition Policy to guide the country’s long-term energy transformation.
Among the key proposals is the gradual phase-out of expensive coal and liquefied natural gas based power plants, replacing them with renewable energy sources. The document also recommends developing sector-specific roadmaps to achieve net-zero emissions across industries including agriculture, the ready-made garment sector and transport.
The groups further called for strengthening the independence and regulatory authority of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and introducing a five-year zero-duty facility on imports of renewable energy equipment to accelerate green energy adoption.
At the press conference, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Lead Analyst and JETNET-BD advisory member Shafiqul Alam presented a research paper outlining the risks associated with Bangladesh’s growing reliance on fossil fuels. He warned that continued dependence on LNG, coal and oil could expose the country’s power sector to long-term financial and energy security risks.
Farah Kabir said the manifesto reflects inputs from more than 150 organisations and experts and emphasises the need for inclusive, just and sustainable energy policies.
“A strong national policy framework is essential for ensuring a fair and sustainable energy transition. Local capacity development and meaningful participation of grassroots communities must remain at the centre of the transformation,” she said.
Energy expert and Vice Chancellor of Independent University Bangladesh M Tamim stressed the importance of ensuring energy affordability during the transition process. He noted that while shifting away from fossil fuels is necessary, the transformation must not compromise reliable and affordable electricity supply.
Former Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology professor Ijaz Hossain said increased investment in solar and wind energy could significantly expand Bangladesh’s renewable energy capacity by 2035 and enable the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Climate finance expert Zakir Hossain Khan, Executive Director of Change Initiative, emphasised the importance of transparency in large-scale energy projects and called for stricter measures to curb corruption in the energy sector. He said Bangladesh urgently needs a smart and environmentally sustainable energy transition roadmap.
Speakers at the event also included Mostafa Al Mahmood and renewable energy expert Khosru Mohammad Selim. Representatives from several environmental and youth organisations also attended the press conference.
