Scrap Adani power deal if necessary: TIB to govt

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today asked the Bangladesh government to reconsider, and if necessary, cancel what it calls the vague and inequitable power purchase agreement with the Adani Group.

"TIB expressed deep concern that Bangladesh's power sector may become hostage to this controversial company if the unequal, opaque and discriminatory contract signed by Bangladesh Power Development Board to purchase 1,600MW electricity from India's Adani, which is an accused of share fraud, is implemented," said a press release.

This organisation suggested bringing applicable amendments to this agreement after reviewing its terms thoroughly by engaging experts, or if necessary scrapping the agreement for the sake of the national interest, especially considering that the final burden of this agreement should be borne by the people of the country.

According to national and international media reports, the electricity generated from the Adani power plant located in Godda, Jharkhand, will cost almost three times more than the electricity produced in the country. Again, there is an obligation in the power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power from Adani Power at this high price, it said.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said this agreement is considered inequitable and unclear and unprecedentedly discriminatory for Bangladesh by international reliable analysis.

"It seems that the agreement has ignored the interests of Bangladesh and favoured the interests of Adani Group in such a way that the electricity sector of Bangladesh can become a hostage in the hands of this company. This burden will have to be borne by the people of this country," he said.