Bangladesh’s power sector aims to achieve energy transition. As a reflection of the aim, it has set some ambitious goals, such as increasing the proportion of renewable energy to 30 per cent by 2030 and 40 per cent by 2041 (Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan). However, according to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDP), only 5.6 per cent of the country’s installed capacity currently comes from renewables. The slow progress shed light on many challenges. However, among other challenges, the hurdle that is hampering its energy transition targets is incoherence among the power sector’s plans, guidelines, laws, and policies that collectively shape the energy governance framework in Bangladesh.
A mixed-method analytical framework is used to evaluate each policy from two aspects. Firstly, this study has analysed whether a policy document contains standard structural features such as measurable objectives, adaptability, evaluation mechanisms, and whether the policy document demonstrates readiness for renewable energy transition, which has been captured through indicators such as renewable targets, innovation, finance, and capacity-building in renewable energy. Secondly, the study applies a seven-point coherence typology to assess the synergy or conflict between pairs of documents, which gives both pair wise coherence scores and a network map of coherence. The net coherence scores (NCS) are calculated to apprehend each policy document’s structural position in the broader policy landscape. The findings reveal that most documents lack adaptability and evaluation mechanisms. Many plans and polices are biased towards fossil fuels and offer incentives for LNG imports or coal-based power generation. In contrast, only a few of the policy documents, such as the Renewable Energy Policy (2008) and the Climate Prosperity Plan, prioritise renewable energy and align with transition goals.
Network analysis shows that documents like the Electricity Act (2018) and REB Act are well-integrated, while the SREDA Act and IEPMP are isolated and often in conflict with others. It is also found that there are serious conflicts among the energy priority among the plans. While some of the plans promote fossil fuels and related infrastructure, others promote ambitious goals in renewable and clean energy. However, to achieve energy transition, Bangladesh must be clear about its energy preference. Otherwise, the transition goal would be hampered.
The study concludes that the energy transition in Bangladesh is not solely constrained by technical or financial limitations but also by incoherence among policies, plans, laws, and guidelines. A successful transition will require not only an energy transition policy but a systematic alignment and revision of existing ones.
Key recommendations include introducing transition-readiness indicators into all new policy instruments, retiring or revising outdated fossil fuel-favouring policies, establishing coherence audits during policy formulation, and enhancing inter-agency coordination to eliminate cross-document contradictions.
Authors: Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Atikuzzaman Shazeed
Publication Period: October 2025