Power deals signed during AL regime threat to sovereignty: Minister

Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has described electricity purchase agreements signed during the previous Awami League government with India, foreign entities, and private companies as a grave threat to the country’s independence and sovereignty.

The minister said that the nation’s freedom and sovereignty are closely tied to the power sector, yet the former government repeatedly signed anti-national contracts without giving due importance to this matter.

Speaking to journalists in his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the minister addressed issues including the country’s electricity situation, energy crisis, liquified natural gas (LNG) imports, and payment arrears to private power producers.

Regarding power purchase agreements (PPAs), Mr Mahmud said sovereignty is directly linked to such contracts, and in many cases, sovereignty itself has to be pledged as a guarantee.

The Awami League government failed to exercise necessary caution, and most of the contracts signed in the power sector during its tenure were against national interests, he alleged.

Announcing a review of all power contracts, including the Adani deal, the minister said the new government has just assumed office and will scrutinise each agreement with the people’s interests as the priority.

Any contracts found to be against the nation’s interest will be dealt with accordingly, he said.

Responding to a question about arrears owed to private producers, he noted that the current government has been in office for only seven days. “These arrears did not accumulate overnight,” he said, adding that the actions of the previous government must also be taken into account.

On another question, Mr Mahmud said that the country’s ‘independence’ has effectively been handed over to certain vested groups, and that these matters must be reassessed to move toward solutions. A committee has already submitted a report on this.

Regarding legal complexities, the minister said the government prefers resolution through dialogue, but if parties seek recourse in court, the government will face the legal process.

Reaffirming the priority of renewable energy, he emphasised that the government’s main goal is to ensure affordable, high-quality energy and an uninterrupted electricity supply for the people.

azizjst@yahoo.com