Bangladesh to review power deals with top int’l law firm

The National Review Committee on the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Sunday asked the interim government to hire a reputed legal and investigative firm to assist in its review of major power generation contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule between 2009 and 2024.

In a resolution, the committee, led by Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, said it needs more time to analyze other solicited and unsolicited contracts.

According to the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the committee is collecting evidence that may lead to potential renegotiation or cancellation of contracts in accordance with international arbitration laws and proceedings.

“To facilitate this, we recommend the immediate engagement of one or more top-quality international legal and investigative firms to assist our committee,” the resolution says.

According to the resolution, the committee wants to ensure that its investigations align with international standards and will be acceptable in international negotiations and arbitration.

The committee is currently engaged in the detailed investigation of several contracts. They include:

• Adani (Godda) BIFPCL 1234.4 megawatt coal-fired power plant
• Payra 1320 MW coal
• Meghnaghat 335 MW dual fuel
• Ashuganj 195 MW gas
• Bashkhali 612 MW Coal
• Meghnaghat 583 MW dual fuel and
• Meghnaghat 584 MW gas/RLNG