No visible progress made regarding clean, green energy in 5 months: TIB

The interim government has made no visible progress regarding clean and green energy over the past five months, said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

"There have been no initiatives to move away from the dominance of fossil energy, which is worrisome," he said at a human chain organised by the TIB in front of the National Parliament on Sunday (26 January).

The human chain was part of a nationwide programme organised by TIB to celebrate International Clean Energy Day 2025.

Iftekharuzzaman said, "We have seen the entire energy sector under the control of the fossil lobby over the past 15 years. They dominate the policy framework and laws. The energy master plan that has been made also prioritises fossil fuels. This master plan must be cancelled.

"The government has a plan to move to clean energy completely by 2050. We must prepare plans in order to do this. It's not just about talking on this one day; we need to speak and act for clean energy all year round," he added.

Claiming that he did not see any visible initiatives regarding clean and green energy over the past five months, the TIB executive director said, "There hasn't even been any discussion about it. I commend that accountability is being ensured in various areas of the power sector as it is essential and must be done."

According to TIB, Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels despite national and international commitments to combat climate change and transition to renewable energy.

Even though electricity production has increased, only 4.65% of Bangladesh's energy mix consists of renewable energy, meaning the country still relies on fossil fuels for the remaining 95%, said the think tank at today's human chain event.

TIB has made 12 demands in the human chain programme, including immediate cancellation of the existing fossil fuel-dependent 'Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP-2023)' and the creation and implementation of a new master plan based on the principle of reducing fossil fuel usage and increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix.

Among other demands, it sought the cessation of policy monopolies in the energy sector, including preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring accountability in the decision-making process by forming an independent monitoring and regulatory authority comprising experts and representatives of civil society.