Civil society calls for just energy transition ahead of national election

A 14-point Citizens' Manifesto calling for a just energy transition and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has been unveiled to ensure Bangladesh's energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The manifesto, titled "Reclaiming Power: A Just Energy Transition for Bangladesh", was presented on Monday at a press conference at the National Press Club, organised by ActionAid Bangladesh and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD).

The manifesto urges political parties contesting the upcoming national election to take concrete action to ensure energy security, climate justice and a people-centred energy future. JETnet-BD is a nationwide civil society platform comprising 155 organisations, with ActionAid Bangladesh serving as its secretariat.

Speakers said 97 per cent of Bangladesh's current energy demand is met by fossil fuels, of which around 70 per cent are imported. This reliance results in an annual import bill of nearly Tk1.5 trillion, placing heavy pressure on the economy and creating long-term energy security risks.

To address this, ActionAid Bangladesh and JETnet-BD proposed a transition pathway targeting at least 20 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 50 per cent by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key demands in the manifesto include formulating a comprehensive National Energy Transition Policy to guide all energy-related laws and plans; phasing out costly, import-dependent fossil fuel power plants and replacing them with domestic renewable sources to ensure energy sovereignty; and developing sector-specific transition roadmaps and net-zero targets for agriculture, the ready-made garment sector, transport and cement, alongside the power sector.

The manifesto also calls for strengthening the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission as an independent and effective regulator to ensure transparency, reform and accountability. It further proposes zero import duty on renewable energy equipment for the next five years, while prioritising domestic innovation and local manufacturing.

Speakers noted that despite Bangladesh's estimated 50–300 gigawatts of solar and wind potential, the lack of a coherent national energy transition policy and effective planning has prevented this capacity from being realised. The manifesto stresses that energy policies and master plans must be developed through direct participation of national experts and stakeholders, rather than relying predominantly on foreign organisations and consultants.

The press conference was moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh. Shafiqul Alam, Lead Analyst at Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Advisory Committee Member of JETnet-BD, presented a paper outlining critical gaps in Bangladesh's energy sector. He warned that continued reliance on LNG, coal, and oil would expose the country to escalating economic and energy security risks, stressing the need to improve energy efficiency to enhance affordability.

Abul Kalam Azad, Manager – Just Energy Transition at ActionAid Bangladesh and Member Secretary of JETnet-BD, formally presented the manifesto's demands to journalists.

Calling for collective action, Farah Kabir said the manifesto reflects inputs from more than 150 civil society organisations and energy experts. "A just and sustainable energy transition requires a strong national policy framework, prioritisation of local expertise and meaningful participation of grassroots communities. Bangladesh does not seek energy deficiency—rather, it must build a sustainable, efficient and people-centred energy sector," she said.

Members of the JETnet-BD advisory panel also shared expert insights. Dr M Tamim, Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh, stressed the need for a least-emission transition roadmap that safeguards affordability and energy security, noting that renewable energy must be added in actual megawatts, not just percentages.

Zakir Hossain Khan, climate finance expert and Executive Director of Change Initiative, called for a nature-based transition pathway, emphasising river and canal protection, cancellation of risky power agreements and strict transparency and anti-corruption measures.

Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association, highlighted the lower planning and generation costs of renewable energy—particularly solar—and its strong job-creation potential, urging future governments to ensure land allocation and grid infrastructure that is renewable-friendly.

Renewable energy expert Professor Khasru Mohammad Selim underscored the importance of decentralised, community-based solutions such as solar irrigation, community grids, and solar charging stations, noting their lower investment requirements and greater potential for women's participation in rural areas.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Ijaz Hossain, a former professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said that, as an energy-importing country, Bangladesh's most sustainable path lies in renewable energy. He noted that grid parity has already been achieved and that no new fossil fuel-based power plants are required up to 2035 if renewable deployment is prioritised.

Representatives of JETnet-BD member organisations, including Manjurul Hannan Khan of NACOM, Mohammad Hossain of Paribesh Rokkha Unnayan Society and Rayhan Noman Nurnabi of youth organisation Surjyodoy, were also present.

Farah Kabir said ActionAid Bangladesh and JETnet-BD will formally submit the Citizens' Manifesto to political parties contesting the 13th National Election and parliamentary candidates nationwide through the JETnet-BD network, expressing hope that elected representatives will reflect public aspirations by incorporating the commitments into national policy.