Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. As the nation experiences rising energy demands driven by urbanization, industrialization, and demographic growth, its energy planning decisions will shape the trajectory of development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience for generations to come. Against this backdrop, the Government of Bangladesh formulated the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023, a long-term strategic framework designed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). While the plan was conceived with the intent of creating an efficient, affordable, and sustainable energy future, it has been met with significant criticism. From civil society organizations to academics and energy experts, the consensus is clear: the IEPMP 2023 falls far short of the vision Bangladesh needs for a just, inclusive, and climate-aligned energy transition.
One of the most glaring criticisms of the IEPMP 2023 is its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal. At a time when nations around the globe are racing to decarbonize their energy systems, Bangladesh's plan appears to move in the opposite direction. The projected energy mix continues to prioritize fossil fuels well into 2041, locking the country into decades of greenhouse gas emissions, foreign currency risks, and geopolitical vulnerabilities. The war in Ukraine and subsequent global energy crisis laid bare the perils of import dependency. Yet, the IEPMP chooses to double down on LNG imports rather than embrace a homegrown, renewable-powered future.
This approach not only undermines Bangladesh's international commitments under the Paris Agreement but also contradicts its own Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), which aims to foster a clean, resilient, and inclusive energy transition. The irony is stark: on one hand, Bangladesh positions itself globally as a climate-vulnerable country championing climate justice, while on the other, it continues to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure at home.
Bangladesh has enormous potential for renewable energy, especially solar and wind. Yet, the IEPMP's target of achieving just 40% renewable energy by 2041 is widely seen as uninspiring. This figure falls short of both regional trends and Bangladesh's own capacity. Countries with similar or fewer resources are making bolder moves: Vietnam, for example, has rapidly scaled up solar capacity in just a few years.
More worryingly, the plan lacks clear deployment pathways, interim targets, or fiscal and policy incentives for accelerating renewable energy. There is no comprehensive strategy to scale up rooftop solar, solar irrigation, floating solar, offshore wind, or community-based mini-grids. Instead of setting out a bold vision, the IEPMP treats renewables as a supplementary source of energy rather than the foundation of a sustainable energy future.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in rural electrification through solar home systems and decentralized solutions. Yet, these achievements are conspicuously downplayed in the IEPMP 2023. The plan overwhelmingly focuses on centralized, grid-based systems and large-scale energy infrastructure, ignoring the transformative potential of decentralized renewable energy (DRE).
This is a missed opportunity. Decentralized energy solutions not only ensure last-mile access but also build resilience against natural disasters and grid disruptions. In a country frequently battered by cyclones, floods, and rising seas, investing in modular, flexible, and community-driven energy models is not just smart-it is imperative.
Another core criticism of the IEPMP lies in its development process. The drafting of the plan lacked adequate public consultation and transparency. Key stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, local governments, and affected communities, were either sidelined or engaged perfunctorily in late-stage discussions. As a result, the plan reflects a technocratic, top-down approach that fails to incorporate the lived realities, aspirations, and insights of the people it is meant to serve.
By contrast, a truly inclusive energy master plan would have engaged diverse voices-including youth, women, indigenous groups, small businesses, and local governments-throughout the process. This would not only ensure democratic legitimacy but also result in more grounded, effective, and socially just energy solutions.
Perhaps the most glaring contradiction lies in the plan's misalignment with the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP), Bangladesh's flagship vision for a climate-resilient future. The MCPP calls for a shift from climate vulnerability to climate prosperity, anchored in green energy, low-carbon infrastructure, and economic resilience. Yet, the IEPMP's prioritization of LNG and coal undermines the very foundation of the MCPP.
This policy incoherence sends mixed signals to investors, development partners, and the international community. It raises legitimate questions about whether Bangladesh is truly committed to its climate promises or merely playing a rhetorical game while continuing business as usual.
Energy systems around the world are undergoing seismic shifts. The costs of solar, wind, and battery storage have plummeted. Investors are moving away from coal and gas. Global capital is increasingly flowing toward green infrastructure, and countries are competing to attract this investment. Bangladesh risks being left behind if it clings to outdated energy models.
The IEPMP fails to internalize the full economic risks of fossil fuel lock-in, including stranded assets, fuel price volatility, and climate-induced disasters. It also does little to explore innovative financing mechanisms like blended finance, climate bonds, or public-private partnerships that could unlock investments in renewables. By ignoring these trends, the plan undermines the country's energy security and economic competitiveness.
An equitable energy transition is not just about technology or infrastructure-it is about people. The IEPMP lacks any framework for a Just Transition: there is no plans to support workers in fossil fuel sectors, retrain labor forces, or cushion vulnerable communities during the transition. Without such measures, the shift to clean energy risks exacerbating inequality and social unrest.
The Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan 2023 was an opportunity for Bangladesh to chart a bold new course-to show that a climate-vulnerable country can lead with climate ambition. Unfortunately, it has fallen short of that promise. In its current form, the IEPMP risks entrenching fossil fuel dependency, exacerbating climate risks, sidelining communities, and squandering opportunities for green growth.
The plan must be revised to reflect the realities of our warming planet and the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. This means setting ambitious renewable energy targets, supporting decentralized solutions, ensuring social justice, and aligning closely with the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. It means involving citizens, civil society, and local actors in shaping the energy future. And above all, it means summoning the political courage to break free from the grip of outdated energy paradigms.
The writer is a PhD Researcher and former Country Representative of the Malala Fund
