Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has described electricity-purchase agreements signed during the previous Awami League government with India, foreign entities, and private companies as a serious threat to the country's independence and sovereignty.
He said the nation's freedom and sovereignty are closely linked to the power sector, yet the former government repeatedly signed contracts that went against national interests without giving the matter due consideration.
Speaking to journalists at his office in the Secretariat in the capital recently, the minister addressed issues including the country's electricity situation, the energy crisis, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, and arrears owed to private power producers.
On power purchase agreements (PPAs), Mr Mahmood said sovereignty is directly tied to such contracts, and in many cases, the nation's sovereignty itself is effectively pledged as a guarantee.
He alleged that the Awami League government failed to exercise necessary caution, and that most contracts signed in the power sector during its tenure were against national interests.
Announcing a review of all power contracts, including the Adani deal, the minister said the new government, which has just assumed office, will scrutinize each agreement with the people's interests as its priority. Any contracts found to be against national interests will be addressed accordingly.
