Continued strategic dominance of and heavy reliance on fossil fuels remain the primary obstacles to the expansion of renewable energy-based power generation, according to a new research report.
Governance deficits, policy neglect, and collusion by vested interest groups are exacerbating long-term environmental and economic risks in the renewable energy sector, it said.
This alarming picture has emerged from the report titled “Generating Power from Renewable Energy in Bangladesh: Governance Challenges and Way Forward", unveiled by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at a press conference at its Dhanmondi office recently.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Adviser and Executive Management Prof Dr Sumaiya Khair, and Director of the Research and Policy Division Muhammad Bodiuzzaman were present at the event.
The report said that the fossil fuel lobby’s interests are being protected by sidelining renewable energy in sector master plans, preventing the country from realizing its vast renewable potential.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the power sector remains heavily fossil fuel-dependent due to policy capture, neglecting renewable energy despite commitments and minimal budget allocations.
