As the BNP continues to raise its voice against what it calls the “illusion of prosperity” created by the Awami League, its demands for transparency are expected to resonate with citizens concerned about the country’s economic future.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on the interim government to disclose all contracts made in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, alleging widespread corruption and irregularities. BNP leaders claim that the Awami League’s governance in the power sector has created an “illusion of development” while draining public resources.
Speaking at a press conference, BNP standing committee member and former state minister for power Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku emphasised the need for transparency. “I urge the interim government to disclose every contract signed in the power sector over the past 15 years,” Tuku said, accusing the Awami League of bypassing public procurement rules and awarding contracts through closed tenders.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Corruption
The BNP alleges that the government’s focus on quick rental power plants and capacity payments has led to substantial financial losses. According to Tuku, “The total expenditure in the power sector over the last 15 years is approximately Tk 3,33,940 crore, with around Taka 1,00,000 crore looted under the guise of capacity charges.”
Capacity charges are payments made to private power plants even when they are not operational. Tuku stated that many machines in these plants were faulty, yet the companies continued to profit. Among the top beneficiaries of capacity charges, Summit Group received Taka 10,630 crore, Agro International Taka 7,932 crore, Ultra Power Holdings Taka 7,523 crore, United Group Taka 6,575 crore, and RPCPL Taka 5,117 crore, according to BNP’s data.
In addition to domestic projects, the BNP raised concerns over electricity imports from India. “Under the guise of importing electricity from India, Taka 11,115 crore has been paid in capacity charges over the last nine years,” Tuku said, alluding to the deal with Adani Power.
Broader Economic Implications
Tuku also warned that corruption in the power sector could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh’s economy. “The government is struggling to repay debts incurred due to massive corruption in the power sector. This pressure poses a threat to the stability of the country’s economy and may lead to a severe foreign exchange crisis after 2027,” he cautioned.
The BNP alleges that the economic instability caused by these issues is deterring investment and eroding public trust. Addressing the conference, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir echoed Tuku’s concerns. “It seems to us that the most corruption in the power and energy sector occurred during the 16 years of Awami League rule,” Fakhrul said.
Accusations Against High-Profile Projects and Figures
The BNP did not spare high-profile projects from criticism. Tuku alleged that $500 million was plundered from the Russia-backed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, describing it as a source of large-scale corruption. He also accused the “Awami Syndicate” of looting significant amounts of money through the smart meter project and LNG ventures. A company owned by former state minister for power Nasrul Hamid Bipu was specifically implicated in alleged irregularities involving LNG projects.
Public Accountability Demanded
The BNP leaders emphasised the importance of transparency and public participation in project implementation to curb corruption. “The people have a right to know the details of these deals,” Tuku said, calling for strict laws to prevent future corruption and urging the interim government to act.
Fakhrul added that political debates often obscure corruption in governance. “They (Awami League) gain internal advantages because of this. If we don’t speak out, people will slowly forget the corruption and misdeeds of the Awami League,” he said.
In response to questions about the BNP’s plans if it returns to power, Fakhrul assured a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption. “We will review the corruption and irregularities in the power sector and take appropriate actions accordingly,” he said.
As the BNP continues to raise its voice against what it calls the “illusion of prosperity” created by the Awami League, its demands for transparency are expected to resonate with citizens concerned about the country’s economic future.
