Sun Nov 24 16:44:07 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh to Investigate Power Deals with Adani Group and Others
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – A review committee appointed by Bangladesh’s interim government has recommended an investigation into power agreements signed by the previous administration, including a significant deal with India’s Adani Group. The committee, chaired by retired High Court judge Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, cited “enormous proof” suggesting the agreements, including the Adani Godda 1234.4 MW coal-fired plant, require scrutiny.
The investigation will encompass seven major energy projects, six of which involve other companies – including a Chinese firm and several Bangladeshi groups. The committee believes the agreements may need to be “scrapped or reconsidered” according to international arbitration laws. They have requested the appointment of a top-level international legal and investigative agency to assist with the review.
The Adani Group, which claims Bangladesh owes it $800 million for power supplied, recently sent a letter to the Bangladeshi government regarding the unpaid bill. Bangladesh’s state-run Power Development Board claims to have already paid $150 million despite its current dollar crisis and intends to pay the full amount. Recent changes to Indian law allowing Adani to sell power from the Godda plant domestically have raised concerns about whether Bangladesh will receive the dedicated power supply it was promised.
The review is part of a broader investigation into contracts made under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply Act (2010, amended 2021), aimed at uncovering potential corruption. While India’s External Affairs Ministry previously highlighted energy cooperation as a crucial pillar of India-Bangladesh relations, this investigation casts a shadow on this partnership, at least in the short term.
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