Jan 18, 2026
| Staff Reporter
The proposed 25-year Energy & Power Sector Master Plan (EPSMP): 2026–2050 by the interim administration has been strongly opposed by civil society organizations, who have called for its immediate suspension and total cancellation.
Speakers at a press conference on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium claimed that the draft plan was created without democratic procedures, openness, or public involvement and cautioned that it could gravely jeopardize Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and energy security.
The event was organised by the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), alongside several co-organisers, including the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Center for Environment and Participatory Research (CEPR), Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh (ETI Bangladesh), Lawyers for Energy, Environment and Development (LEED), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Waterkeepers, and other environmental and rights-based organisations.
Presenting the keynote, CLEAN Network Adviser Monowar Mostafa said the interim government’s mandate was limited to routine administration, yet it had exceeded that role by advancing a long-term and high-risk national energy strategy. He claimed that despite High Court directives, no meaningful or inclusive consultation process was followed in preparing the plan.
He further alleged that, much like projects approved under the controversial Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act, the EPSMP creates a pathway for continued dependence on fossil fuel–based projects. According to him, Bangladesh’s actual electricity demand should not exceed 40,000 megawatts, but the plan has exaggerated projections, which could result in excess capacity and increased capacity charges borne by consumers.
Mostafa also criticised the plan’s portrayal of energy transition, stating that while it claims a 44% share of renewable energy on paper, genuine renewable sources account for only about 17%. He warned that the proposal to raise gas-based power generation capacity from 15.8 gigawatts to 25.2 gigawatts, while maintaining nearly 50% reliance on LNG, coal, and oil until 2050, would create an import burden of approximately $192 billion, posing serious threats to foreign exchange reserves and overall energy security.
BWGED Member Secretary Hasan Mehedi said the draft plan sidelined public opinion, civil society, and independent experts, calling the move to finalise such a crucial policy without public hearings a continuation of opaque decision-making practices.
LEED Research Director Shimonuzzaman described the introduction of another disputed master plan ahead of elections as disappointing, while ETI Bangladesh’s Director (Program Evidence and Learning) Munir Uddin Shamim said the plan undermines constitutional rights and could jeopardise the country’s export-oriented industries.
Other speakers, including Jet-Net BD Manager Abul Kalam Azad, MJF Coordinator Wasiur Rahman Tanmoy, and Waterkeepers Manager Syed Tapas, echoed similar concerns.
The organisations placed five key demands: immediate suspension and cancellation of the EPSMP; initiation of a transparent, nationwide consultation process; rapid reduction of fossil fuel dependence; development of a realistic roadmap towards 100% renewable energy; and formulation of a new, inclusive energy and power master plan under an elected government.
Speakers cautioned that implementing the draft plan would subject citizens to prolonged high electricity costs, increased taxes and subsidies, and irreversible environmental damage.
News Link: Civil society demands cancellation of energy master plan