Transparency

China has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most significant economic partners. In FY 2023–24, Bangladesh imported goods worth $16.637 billion from China, accounting for 26.4 per cent of the country’s total imports, indicating the growing demand for Chinese products.

Adding to the complexity, the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh has yet to complete six substations critical for evacuating electricity generated at the Meghnaghat hub. Sources say these substations are unlikely to be ready before August.

This slump is largely attributed to domestic unrest, contractionary monetary and fiscal policies, and a broader climate of uncertainty that has discouraged both foreign and domestic investment.

Whether the two parties can bridge the gap and reach a mutually acceptable agreement remains to be seen. The Sri Lankan government's insistence on price revision and Adani’s re-affirmation of the initial terms, clearly sets the stage for a tense negotiation period.

There has been a raging debate in Sri Lanka on the deal, citing it as an expensive deal. The earlier government had agreed to purchase power from Adani’s 484-megawatt wind power project at a rate of 8.26 US cents per unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Sri Lanka's earlier administration had agreed to purchase power from Adani’s 484-megawatt wind power project at a rate of 8.26 US cents per unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement. This agreement, announced in May 2023, triggered widespread criticism due to the high price and lack of competitive tendering.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in capacity building and global cooperation as vital to safeguarding democratic processes and strengthening election management worldwide.

Officials said that development partners reduced grants for infrastructure projects following Bangladesh's graduation from Lower- Income Countries (LIC) status to Lower Middle- Income Country (LMIC) in 2013.