Nat’l committee seeks top int’l law firm for power deal review
The National Review Committee of the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has called for the hiring of a renowned international legal and investigative firm to assist in the evaluation of major power generation contracts signed between 2009 and 2024 under Sheikh Hasina's administration.
"We recommend the immediate engagement of one or more top-quality international legal and investigative firms to assist our committee," the review committee said today (24 November) in its resolution, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
The committee, headed by Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, said additional time is required to further analyse other solicited and unsolicited contracts.
The committee also said it is gathering evidence that could pave the way for potential renegotiations or cancellations of contracts in accordance with international arbitration laws and procedures.
It further added it wants to ensure that its investigations are in line with international standards and will be acceptable in international negotiations and arbitration.
The committee is currently conducting a detailed investigation into several contracts, including the Adani (Godda) BIFPCL 1234.4 MW coal-fired power plant, Payra 1320 MW coal plant, Meghnaghat 335 MW dual-fuel plant, Ashuganj 195 MW gas-based plant, Bashkhali 612 MW coal plant, and Meghnaghat 583 MW dual-fuel and 584 MW gas/RLNG plants.
Earlier, the Interim Government formed a National Review Committee to examine contracts made under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010 (Amended 2021).
The committee is tasked with investigating any allegations of corruption related to the country's electricity and energy production and supply agencies.