Bangladesh seeks top international law firm for power deal review

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

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

The committee is collecting evidence that may lead to potential renegotiation or cancellation of contracts in line with the international arbitration laws and proceedings, according to the chief adviser's press wing.

"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 are in line 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 1234.4MW coal fired power plant
• Payra 1320MW coal
• Meghnaghat 335MW dual fuel
• Ashuganj 195MW gas
• Banshkhali 612MW Coal
• Meghnaghat 583MW dual fuel and
• Meghnaghat 584MW gas/RLNG