Civil society urges candidates to commit to just energy transition
Civil society organisations have urged candidates contesting the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election to make clear political commitments to ensure a just energy transition in Bangladesh.
As part of the initiative, a 14-point citizen manifesto titled "Reclaiming Power: A Citizen Manifesto for a Just Energy Transition in Bangladesh" has been submitted to nearly 300 parliamentary candidates and public representatives across 100 constituencies nationwide.
The nationwide campaign was jointly led by the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) and ActionAid Bangladesh. Representatives of more than 100 member organisations of JETnet-BD carried out outreach across all eight divisions, meeting candidates from major political parties as well as independent contenders. During the engagements, the manifesto was formally handed over and written expressions of solidarity and signatures were collected from candidates.
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JETnet-BD and ActionAid Bangladesh said the initiative aims to ensure issues of energy security, equity and justice are reflected in the electoral commitments of political parties. The campaign also seeks to amplify the voices and demands of climate-vulnerable communities so their priorities are considered in future policy decisions.
Earlier, on 2 February, 2026, the manifesto was unveiled at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka. It calls for stronger public ownership in the energy sector, expansion of renewable energy and a sustainable and inclusive transition that safeguards the interests of people and communities.
Energy experts and civil society representatives said the advocacy initiative could help lay the foundation for a fair and people-centred transformation of Bangladesh's energy sector. JETnet-BD and ActionAid Bangladesh also said written endorsements collected from candidates could support accountability in their future parliamentary and policy roles.
The Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) is a national platform of 155 civil society organisations working to advance a just and inclusive energy transition. ActionAid Bangladesh serves as the secretariat of the network.
