Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Monday said that the biggest obstacle to implementing renewable energy projects in Bangladesh are officials working within the energy sector itself and businesses tied to fossil fuels.

“We want a transition—from fossil fuels to renewable energy. But a major barrier comes from certain officials in this sector and fossil-fuel business groups,” he said while joining the closing session of the Bangladesh Energy Conference 2025 virtually.

Despite the intent to shift to renewables, the adviser said deep dependence on fossil fuels continues to limit progress.

“If we had alternatives, we would stop LNG imports and shut all coal-based power plants. But electricity generation from renewable sources is still insufficient compared to demand. If we suddenly stopped fossil fuel use, the country would plunge into darkness within a day,” he added.

Fouzul Kabir noted that the transition cannot happen overnight and stressed strengthening renewable capacity gradually while ensuring transparency.

He said efforts are underway to eliminate corruption from the energy sector. To break syndicate dominance and improve competitiveness, several earlier tenders have been scrapped and re-tendered.

“A group of officials and businessmen engage in corruption through major financial dealings. One of the reasons the rooftop solar programme failed to take off is corruption by some of these officials,” Fouzul Kabir said.

The adviser pointed out that the government has shut the door on secrecy in the energy sector, making tender processes and project implementation more open to ensure competition.

He emphasised that strong transparency is being maintained so vested interests cannot reestablish dominance in the sector.