Crisis Beyond The Ballot

Bangladesh is heading toward national elections in February, with energy policy emerging as a central challenge.

- Afroza Akther Pervin

While manifestos have historically promised reforms, successive governments failed to resolve crises in power generation, fuel supply, and distribution, leaving the sector plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and import dependence. The interim government has stabilized dues and promoted renewables, but structural problems persist. Analysts stress that the next government must act from day one to ensure reliable, affordable energy— essential for jobs, investment, and sustained economic growth.

Bangladesh is now on the road to elections. The national parliamentary polls are set for February next year, following Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s announcement in a televised address. Since then, the upcoming election has dominated public debate.

The announcement came shortly after Yunus delivered the July Declaration at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The BNP welcomed both moves, but Jamaat and the newly formed NCP dismissed the declaration as falling short of the nation’s expectations. Still, analysts agree that politics is now firmly focused on the ballot box.

Yet, the election is only part of the story. Whoever forms the next government will inherit daunting challenges—from reviving an economy weakened by more than 15 years of misrule to breathing life back into the energy sector, the backbone of the economy. Experts stress that parties should not only prepare for the campaign trail but also start shaping concrete strategies, policies, and action plans to tackle these urgent issues.