Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has demanded the immediate cancellation of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP)-2023, terming it a fossil fuel-centric energy master plan.

The corruption watchdog made this call from a human chain organised in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Sunday to mark the International Clean Energy Day 2025.

It also has called for the formulation of a new renewable energy-based master plan free from the influence of the fossil fuel lobby.

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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, who were held hostage by the policy framework."

"As a result, the energy master plan purposefully maintains fossil fuel dependence due to their conflict of interest," he said, adding that through this, the possibility of transitioning to renewable energy has been trampled on.

In order to build a country that relies on renewable and clean energy while respecting national and international commitments, the policy framework must be freed from the influence of fossil fuel advocates, he added.

He said: "We call on the interim government to immediately take the initiative to formulate a master plan for 100 percent 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 International Clean Energy Day in Bangladesh to raise awareness about the transformation of renewable energy.

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Keeping in mind the theme “Clean Energy: Sustainable Future,” TIB has organised multifaceted programs at the local and national levels to celebrate the day.

At the local level, awareness campaigns including human chains, rallies and discussion, public meetings, street meetings on increasing the production and use of renewable energy were organised with the active participation of members of the Aware Citizens Committee (ACC), Active Citizens Group (ACG), and Youth Engagement and Support (YES) groups formed under the inspiration of TIB in 45 districts and upazilas.

In addition, TIB's proposals were highlighted in the human chains organised in Dhaka to highlight the importance of renewable energy and ensure good governance in the energy sector.

The human chain organised by TIB was attended by organizations such as Water Keepers Bangladesh, Working Women, Dharitri Rakhaye Amara, ActionAid Bangladesh, and ETI Bangladesh.

On the occasion of International Clean Energy Day 2025, TIB placed a number of recommendations to ensure good governance in the energy sector and take effective steps to transition to renewable energy.

These include preparing a new master plan based on the principles of reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the amount of renewable energy in the energy mix.

To prevent policy manipulation in the energy sector and prevent conflicts of interest, forming an independent monitoring and control authority consisting of relevant experts and representatives of civil society to ensure accountability in the decision-making process related to this sector are among the recommendations.

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The TIB urged the government to 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 to follow transparent and appropriate procedures in issuing environmental clearances and monitoring pollution and environmental issues.

It also called for providing leadership in the transition to renewable energy, and giving the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) the status of an autonomous institution, along with enhancing its technical, human resources and infrastructure capacity.