Bangladesh Government to Investigate Power Generation Agreements with Adani Power

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Following allegations by US federal prosecutors that Indian industrialist Gautam Adani and six others paid bribes amounting to ₹2,000 crore to Indian government officials on behalf of American investors, Bangladesh has also taken a stand against Adani. The Bangladesh government has decided to appoint a renowned legal and investigative agency to review agreements with Adani Power and other major power generation contracts. This raises the possibility of amendments or cancellations of these agreements.

1.In a statement, the Bangladesh government noted that the National Review Committee under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has recommended that the interim government appoint a prestigious investigative agency to review major power generation contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure from 2009 to 2024. The
review includes several power generation project agreements.

2.The committee, led by Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, mentioned that further analysis of other agreements would require more time. The committee is gathering evidence, which could potentially lead to modifications or cancellations of these contracts under the framework of international arbitration laws and proceedings.

3.A spokesperson for Adani Power commented, “We will not comment on Bangladesh’s internal matters. Our power purchase projects have been operational for the past seven years and are entirely lawful.”

Potential Investigation in Sri Lanka as well

Sri Lanka, under the new government led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has not yet made any final decisions regarding projects by Adani Green or other group ventures.

Ceylon Electricity Board spokesperson Dhanushka Parakramsinghe said the matter is under review, although no conclusive decisions have been made yet. A proposal regarding the wind energy project is expected to be presented to the Cabinet within the next week. Before making a final decision, the Cabinet will thoroughly review all details concerning the Adani wind energy project.

Editorial Perspective

This incident underscores that the anti-India Biden administration in the United States will continue its attempts to target India and Indians, at least until Donald Trump takes oath in the US.