Transparency International Bangladesh Calls for White Paper on ‘Three Zeros’ Commitments of Interim Government

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the interim government to release a white paper detailing how much of the “Three Zeros” agenda—promoted internationally by Professor Muhammad Yunus—the government fulfilled at the national level during its tenure. The appeal was made during a human chain organized by TIB on Monday morning at Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the National Parliament, to mark the UN’s International Clean Energy Day 2026.

TIB Executive Director Iftikharuzzaman said, “While Professor Yunus promotes the ‘Three Zeros’ internationally, the public is interested to know how the interim government has translated this agenda into national action across the three areas.”

He criticized the interim government for failing to observe Clean Energy Day effectively, noting that the event’s main purpose is to raise awareness and encourage those in power to take active steps to reduce carbon emissions. “It is particularly concerning that the government, under the leadership of someone associated with the ‘Three Zeros’ vision, has failed in this responsibility,” he added.

Iftikharuzzaman also pointed out missed opportunities to establish foundations for zero carbon emissions. He emphasized that the government must explain why no significant initiatives were taken that could have been continued by the next elected administration.

The “Three Zeros” concept—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions—has been championed worldwide by Professor Yunus. TIB believes that, in practice, the interim government acted contrary to this vision.

TIB also criticized the draft Energy and Power Master Plan (EPSMP 2025) for its reliance on fossil fuels, noting that it lacks strategies for transitioning Bangladesh toward clean and renewable energy. The executive director questioned whether the interim government truly prioritized national security and sustainable development, arguing that the draft plan reflects a top-down decision-making approach rather than inclusive policymaking.

TIB called on the next elected government to implement energy policies in consultation with civil society, independent experts, and other stakeholders.

At the human chain, TIB’s Clean Energy Project Co-Coordinator, Ashna Islam, presented a policy brief on renewable energy and good governance. She emphasized that International Clean Energy Day serves as a global platform to advance sustainable energy transitions.

The brief included several recommendations from TIB, such as:

• Gradually phasing out fossil fuel use and increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix, with commitments from political parties.

• Consulting civil society and independent experts before finalizing the EPSMP 2025.

• Adopting policies to achieve a net-zero target by 2050 and transitioning fully to renewable energy.

• Formulating and implementing policies to attract local and international investment in renewable energy.

• Prioritizing renewable energy projects while avoiding conflicts of interest in approvals and contracts.

The event saw participation from multiple organizations, including Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Working Women, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Bangladesh Environmental Movement, Centre for Policy Dialogue, ActionAid Bangladesh, Media Resource Development Initiative (MRDI), and Bangladesh Enterprise Institute. Participants criticized the interim government’s draft EPSMP 2025 and called for an immediate shift toward a renewable energy-focused policy framework.