B Mirror Report: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said that the interim government has failed to create a foundation for shifting the country’s overall energy system toward renewable or clean energy.

The comment was made at a human chain organized on Monday (26 January) in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, marking International Clean Energy Day 2026.

At the event, the organization called on political parties participating in the elections to completely revamp the draft Energy and Power Sector Master Plan (EPSMP) 2025 by prioritizing renewable energy, with the involvement of civil society, independent experts and relevant stakeholders.

Representatives from various civic and environmental organizations including Waterkeepers Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh, CPD, CAB, BAPA, BSREA and BJGF took part in the program. The event was moderated by Nawazul Mowla, Coordinator of the Energy Governance Department.

Speaking at the human chain, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the interim government had not taken any effective initiatives to transform the country’s energy system toward clean energy steps that an elected government could later build upon. He said the government must explain why no groundwork was laid on such a critical issue.

Referring to the interim government chief’s internationally praised “Three Zeros” zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero carbon emissions he questioned what national-level initiatives had been undertaken to achieve these goals. He added that the draft energy master plan still prioritizes fossil fuel–based strategies, which is alarming for a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman warned that climate change driven by carbon pollution poses a major threat to the existence of Bangladesh’s people and to national security. He also raised serious concerns about whether those in charge of running the state are giving the issue due importance. He cautioned that an energy master plan formulated without stakeholder participation could institutionalize conflicts of interest, abuse of power and corruption.

At the human chain, TIB’s Energy Governance Department Co-Coordinator Ashna Islam presented the organization’s concept note marking International Clean Energy Day.

From the platform, TIB put forward several recommendations to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. These included setting unified targets across all policies and plans such as the Renewable Energy Policy 2025 and preparing a realistic roadmap; ensuring transparency in granting environmental clearances for energy and power projects; publishing all domestic and foreign contracts and project documents in the energy sector; and simplifying net metering for solar power while effectively implementing feed-in tariffs.

TIB also noted that Bangladesh observed International Clean Energy Day for the first time last year, and this year various awareness programs—including human chains, street rallies and discussion meetings—are being held in 45 districts and upazilas across the country to mark the occasion.