Despite global talks, no steps taken to implement ‘Three Zeros’ in Bangladesh: Iftekharuzzaman
The interim government has completely failed to observe International Clean Energy Day, Iftekharuzzaman said
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman today (26 January) said that despite repeated discussions on the global stage, Bangladesh has failed to take any meaningful initiative to implement the "Three Zeros" – zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.
The government has completely failed to observe "International Clean Energy Day", he made the allegations while addressing a human chain in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on the occasion of Clean Energy Day.
Iftekharuzzaman said the main objective of observing the day is to raise global awareness among citizens, especially those responsible for state power. Still, no major initiative has been seen to achieve that goal.
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Referring to the interim government formed through the bloodshed of students and people, he said the globally acclaimed leader (Muhammad Yunus) at its helm has 'Three Zeros' as one of his core principles.
Iftekharuzzaman questioned whether the chief adviser had ever promoted the 'Three Zeros' inside the country, despite campaigning abroad.
Criticising the energy policy, he said its theoretical foundation still fully depends on fossil fuels, with no clear direction for transition to clean energy, calling it a matter of Bangladesh's national existence.
He further said the energy master plan announced in 2025 has not yet been approved, and even if it were approved, TIB would reject it due to the government's non-participatory, opaque decision-making process.
The TIB executive director urged the government to publish a white paper at the end of its tenure so the public can assess how much responsibility it fulfilled regarding the Three Zeros.
At the event, TIB placed nine recommendations to ensure good governance in the energy sector, including prioritising renewable energy, developing a realistic production roadmap, improving investment frameworks, ensuring transparency in environmental clearance, and publishing all energy-related agreements.
Representatives from 25 organisations, including Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, ActionAid Bangladesh, and the Centre for Policy Dialogue, expressed solidarity at the human chain.
