Ahead of the national polls, the right groups and Civil society organisations have called on candidates contesting in the 13th National Parliamentary Election to make clear political commitments to ensure a just energy transition in Bangladesh.
As part of this effort, a 14-point citizen manifesto titled “Reclaiming Power: A Citizen Manifesto for a Just Energy Transition in Bangladesh” has been submitted to nearly 300 parliamentary candidates and public representatives across 100 constituencies nationwide.
This countrywide campaign was jointly led by the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) and ActionAid Bangladesh.
Representatives from more than 100 member organisations of JETnet-BD conducted outreach across all eight divisions, meeting candidates from major political parties as well as independent contenders.
During these engagements, the manifesto was formally handed over and written expressions of solidarity and signatures were collected from the candidates.
According to JETnet-BD and ActionAid Bangladesh, the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that issues of energy security, equity and justice are reflected in the electoral commitments of political parties.
Particular emphasis has been placed on bringing forward the voices and demands of climate-vulnerable communities so that their priorities are addressed in future policy decisions.
Earlier, on 2 February 2026, the 14-point citizen manifesto was officially unveiled at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The manifesto calls for strengthening public ownership in the energy sector, expanding renewable energy, and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive transition that safeguards the interests of people and communities.
Energy experts and civil society representatives believe that this grassroots advocacy initiative will help build the foundation for a fair and people-centred transformation of Bangladesh’s energy sector.
JETnet-BD and ActionAid Bangladesh also expect that the written endorsements collected from candidates will help promote accountability in their future parliamentary and policy roles.
It is worth noting that the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) is a national platform of 155 civil society organisations working to advance a just and inclusive energy transition.
