Bangladesh’s interim government has established a review committee to examine major power production agreements signed under the previous regime of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including one with India’s Adani Group.
The committee, formed by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has recommended engaging a reputed legal and investigation agency to scrutinise the agreements, which were made during the period from 2009 to 2024.
“The National Review Committee on Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has recommended the appointment of a reputed legal and investigation agency to review the major power production agreements signed during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina,” an official statement said.
The committee is currently reviewing seven key energy and power projects, including the Adani (Godda) BIFPCL 1234.4 MW coal-fired plant, a subsidiary of Adani Power Limited.
Other agreements under scrutiny include a deal with a Chinese company for a 1320 MW coal-fired power plant and contracts with Bangladeshi business groups reportedly close to the former government.
The statement further noted that the committee had gathered “enormous proof” suggesting that these agreements may need to be “scrapped or reconsidered” in accordance with international arbitration laws and procedures.
In its bid for a comprehensive review, the committee requested more time to assess other contracts, both solicited and unsolicited, adding that an international legal and investigation agency would be appointed for assistance. The committee is headed by retired High Court judge Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury.
India’s External Affairs Ministry had previously stated that cooperation in the power and energy sector is a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations.
However, the Adani Group has recently raised concerns regarding unpaid dues, sending a letter to Bangladesh’s government over a USD 800 million power supply bill.
The Bangladesh Power Development Board responded, noting that it had already paid USD 150 million despite the ongoing dollar crisis and promised to clear the remaining amount.
The Adani Godda thermal plant, set up exclusively to supply power to Bangladesh, has faced challenges following a recent change in Indian law, which permits the Indian company to sell the electricity in the domestic market.
This has raised concerns over whether Bangladesh will continue to receive dedicated power supplies from the plant.
Earlier, the interim government formed a separate committee to investigate contracts signed under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010 (Amended 2021).
The committee was tasked with probing allegations of corruption in the country’s energy and power production sectors.
Follow us
