This Special Report outlines a comprehensive set of recommendations for reforming Bangladesh’s power and energy sector under the new interim government, which began its term in August 2024. It emphasises the need for significant reforms in policies, laws, and government institutions to address inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and financial challenges in the sector. Key areas of focus include revising outdated legislation, enhancing the institutional capacity of regulatory bodies, eradicating operational misconduct, promoting renewable energy, phasing out inefficient power plants, and improving transparency in financial and operational activities. The report also highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation in energy transition, as well as the need for a structured approach to infrastructure development, including the modernisation of the national grid. The report lays out short to medium term reforms and formulation activities can be divided into first three phases of the energy transition. The proposed reforms are aimed at facilitating a just energy transition in Bangladesh, aligning with global climate commitments, and ensuring sustainable economic development. The expectation is that the interim government will place its 100-day programme for the power and energy sector taking into account the energy transition in mind.
Authors: Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Helen Mashiyat Preoty and Mashfiq Ahasan Hridoy
Publication Period: August 2024