Press Release
Dhaka, 26 January 2025: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the formulation of a new energy master plan centered on renewable energy, free from the influence of fossil fuel lobbies. The organization made this call during a human chain held in front of the National Parliament on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital at 11 a.m. on Sunday, marking International Clean Energy Day 2025. The participants in the human chain demanded the immediate cancellation of the current fossil fuel-based energy master plan.
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 were to be blamed for the capture of 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.
Observing the day, 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. At the national level, the human chain in Dhaka highlighted the importance of renewable energy and good governance. The event also saw the participation from organizations such as Water Keepers Bangladesh, Kormojibi Naree, Dharitri Rokkhay Amra, ActionAid Bangladesh, ETI Bangladesh, CLEAN, BWGED, JET-net BD, The Earth Society, CPRD, BEI, BARCIK, United International University’s Center for Energy Research, CAPS, Deepto Foundation, and MRDI, among others.
At the human chain, TIB urged immediate steps to ensure good governance in the energy sector and promote renewable energy. It called for scrapping the fossil fuel-based "Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP-2023)" and replacing it with a new plan focused on reducing fossil fuel dependency and increasing renewable energy. TIB also recommended establishing an independent oversight authority comprising experts and civil society representatives to ensure accountability, prevent conflicts of interest, and address policy capture within the energy sector. Additionally, it emphasized enacting laws under the Environment Act to monitor environmental impact assessments and ensure transparency in issuing clearances. Also among others, TIB advocated for granting the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) autonomy and enhancing its technical and institutional capacity to lead the renewable energy transition.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
