A high-powered expert committee formed by the Power Division has found evidence of major irregularities and corruption in most of the power purchase contracts signed during the previous Awami League government - including those involving India’s Adani Group.
According to the committee’s interim report, submitted on Sunday to Power Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, collusion among bureaucrats, politicians, and private power plant owners led to large-scale corruption in the sector. These irregularities inflated electricity prices, making power in Bangladesh 25% more expensive than in competing countries-and up to 40% higher if subsidies are excluded.
“Electricity generation has increased fourfold in the last 14 years, but costs have risen elevenfold,” the report states. “In 2011, Bangladesh spent $638 million to purchase electricity; by 2024, the amount has surged to $7.8 billion.” The interim findings were disclosed during a briefing after the report was handed over to the adviser. The final report is expected by January next year
“Adani Deal Could Be Cancelled if Irregularities Proven” - Adviser: Power Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan said that if corruption is proven in the Adani deal or any other contract, the government will not hesitate to cancel them.
“Every contract includes a clause affirming that no corruption was involved,” he said. “If that commitment is breached, the agreement can be cancelled. But such action must be based on solid legal grounds-verbal allegations will not hold in court.”
Khan also noted that disciplinary or legal measures would follow against public officials if the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirms their involvement. “We will discuss the findings with the ACC,” he said. “Many officials have retired, so departmental action may not be possible, but legal processes will proceed if evidence is solid.”
Judge Mainul Islam: ‘Massive Corruption Under the Quick Supply Act’: Committee convener and retired Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury stated that large-scale corruption occurred under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, which allowed project approvals bypassing normal scrutiny.
“Serious irregularities were committed under that special law. Environmental damage was done in the name of projects. We will bring all involved companies-including Adani-to justice,” he said.
Prof. Mushtaq H. Khan: ‘Electricity Cost Now Unsustainable for Industry’: Prof. Mushtaq Hossain Khan of the University of London’s School of Law and Social Sciences explained that the contracts signed with foreign companies are sovereign agreements protected under international law, making cancellation complicated and potentially costly.
“These are state-to-state or state-company contracts. If Bangladesh cancels them arbitrarily, it could face severe penalties in international courts,” he warned. “But we have found extensive corruption. This has made our electricity 25% more expensive than competitors, and 40% higher if subsidies are removed. At this rate, our industries will not survive.”
Prof. Khan said some contracts were influenced by “orders from above,” with direct political interference in tendering and procurement. “The burden has been passed to taxpayers and consumers while the beneficiaries have taken their profits abroad,” he said.
He emphasized that the committee is still gathering evidence to support international legal actions against those responsible. “This is a complex and time-consuming process. We must be patient, or mistakes will occur,” he added.
Dr. Zahid Hussain: ‘Production Up Fourfold, Cost Up Elevenfold’: Dr. Zahid Hussain, former Lead Economist at the World Bank, said his team analyzed official records, letters, and data shared by the Power Division from 2008-09 to FY2024.
“Electricity output has grown four times, but the payment burden has risen by 11 times. The math simply doesn’t add up,” he said. “We looked into who received payments and what amount of electricity the country got in return - the mismatch is clear.”
Legal Expert Shahdeen Malik: ‘Enough Evidence to Nullify Deals’: Dr. Shahdeen Malik, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court and one of the committee members, said there is sufficient evidence to challenge several of the contracts in court. “We have enough documentation to seek cancellation of these deals,” he said. “However, international arbitration could follow, and companies like Adani might claim $5 billion in damages. Therefore, the government must proceed carefully.”
Malik noted that two writ petitions have already been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of contracts signed under the special power law. “The court has directed the ACC and relevant agencies to report within 60 days,” he said. “Strong evidence of corruption will soon emerge.”
Next Steps and Recommendations: The interim report, submitted a year after the committee’s formation, recommends: Full transparency in future power purchase agreements. Review of special laws that allow bypassing tender and oversight procedures. Legal cooperation with the ACC to pursue those involved. Restructuring pricing policies to protect consumers and industries.
The final report, due in January 2026, is expected to include detailed case studies, evidence trails, and recommendations for policy reform and prosecution. “We are collecting proof and preparing for action-both at home and abroad,” Prof. Mushtaq Khan concluded. “Those who looted the sector must face consequences.”
