The Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010, which is reportedly controversial and passed during the tenure of the Awami League government, is likely to be repealed soon.
“Though the issue of repealing the act comes outside the purview of my ministry, I am confident that the act will be repealed soon,” Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul said in reply to a query about the repeal of the act.
The ‘controversial’ act has drawn widespread criticism from energy experts.
At a press conference held at the secretariat on Wednesday, the law adviser said that the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, is the appropriate body to deal with this matter.
“However, I will ask the authorities concerned to take necessary steps in this regard," he added.
According to an energy expert, the act was formulated in 2010 under the special provision and its tenure was previously extended several times. The cabinet in September 2021 approved a proposal to extend its tenure for five more years until 2026.
Preferring anonymity, he further said that since then, all projects on power and energy have been undertaken "in good faith." What does it mean specifically? It meant that there would be no bidding. The government awarded contracts in "good faith," and no one, even parliament, had the right to raise question about them.
