International Clean Energy Day 2025
Dhaka, January 26, 2025:
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the formulation of a new energy master plan based on renewable energy, free from the influence of the fossil fuel lobby. The organization made this comment from a human chain organized in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital at 11 am on Sunday on the occasion of the International Clean Energy Day 2025. The human chain demanded the immediate cancellation of the existing energy master plan based on fossil fuel.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said at the human chain, “One of the foundations and beneficiaries of the power structure of the fallen authoritarian and thuggish government was the domestic and foreign lobbies, in whose hands the policy framework was held hostage. As a result, just as the energy master plan has purposefully maintained fossil fuel dependence due to their conflict of interest, the possibility of transitioning to renewable energy has been trampled on.
In order to build a country dependent on renewable and clean energy while respecting national and international commitments, the policy framework must be freed from the influence of fossil fuel supporters. We call on the interim government to immediately take the initiative to formulate a master plan for 100% renewable energy-based power generation in phases by 2050 and a time-bound roadmap for its implementation, involving experts and stakeholders free from conflict of interest.
This is the first time that TIB has celebrated this day in Bangladesh with the aim of raising awareness about the transition to renewable energy, and this day is being celebrated in the country as well. Keeping in mind the theme “Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future”, TIB has organized multifaceted programs to celebrate the day at the local and national levels.
At the local level, awareness campaigns (human chains, rallies and discussion programs, public meetings, street meetings, etc.) were organized on increasing the production and use of renewable energy with the active participation of members of the Awareness Citizens Committee (ACAC), Active Citizens Group (ACG), and Youth Engagement and Support (YES) Group formed under the inspiration of TIB in 45 districts and upazilas.
In addition, TIB’s proposals were highlighted in the human chain organized in Dhaka to highlight the importance of renewable energy and ensure good governance in the energy sector. The human chain organized by TIB was attended by organizations such as Water Keepers Bangladesh, Working Women, Dharitri Rakhaye Amara, ActionAid Bangladesh, ETI Bangladesh, Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action (CLEAN), BWUGED, Jetnet-BD, Manusher Jonna Foundation, The Earth Society, CPRD, BEI, BARCIK, United International University’s Center for Energy Research, CAPS, Deepta Foundation, MRDI, and Participatory Research and Action Network (PRAN).
On the occasion of the International Clean Energy Day 2025, TIB’s recommendations for taking effective steps to ensure good governance in the energy sector and transition to renewable energy include: – The existing fossil fuel-based energy master plan ‘Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP-2023)’ should be immediately scrapped and a new master plan should be prepared and implemented based on the principles of reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the amount of renewable energy in the energy mix; – An independent monitoring and control authority should be formed consisting of relevant experts and civil society representatives to ensure accountability in the decision-making process related to this sector, including preventing conflicts of interest and ending policy manipulation in the energy sector;
Ensure monitoring and verification of flawless environmental impact assessment activities for all types of energy and power projects by regulating them under the Environment Act and follow transparent and appropriate procedures in issuing environmental clearances and monitoring pollution and the environment; To provide leadership in the transition to renewable energy, the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) should be given the status of an autonomous institution, along with enhancing its technical, human resources and infrastructure capacity.
