Energy Transition in the Election Manifestos: An analysis of the commitments of eight major political parties contested in the 13th Parliamentary Election

Executive Summary: The 13th Parliamentary Election in 2026 marked a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, compelling major political parties to articulate comprehensive visions for the nation's energy future amid a severe debt and import dependency crisis. This study, conducted by a group of Civil Society Organisations (CSO), rigorously analysed the manifestos of eight major political parties, such as Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASOD), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis (BKM), Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rab) and National Citizen Party (NCP). Leveraging a 13-point Citizens' Manifesto as a benchmark, the research employed qualitative and quantitative comparative assessments to gauge political commitments and the content of the election manifestos against the urgent need for a just, green transition. The analysis underscores that, while there is growing political consensus on the necessity of a renewable energy shift and grid modernisation, significant gaps remain, particularly in dismantling fossil fuel infrastructure and ensuring equitable financing for community-led clean energy projects. 

Publishers: Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED), in association with Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Bangladesh, Lawyers for Energy, Environment and Development (LEED), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and ReGlobal.

Expected Citation: Mehedi, H., Reason, S.K., Adhora, S.A. & Arman, A.B. (2026). Energy Transition in the Election Manifestos. Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED): March 2026.