A research by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) found substantive corruption in three power plants—two coal-fired and one LNG-based—in the country.
According to the TIB study, the corruption involved at least Tk 3.90 billion which was allegedly embezzled by government officials, local representatives, and influential political circles.
Moreover, power tariffs were set at higher rates compared to similar projects which also involved corruption, reports UNB.
The power plants are: Powerchina consortium’s Barishal 350 MW Coal-based power plant, S Alam Group’s Banshkhali 1320 MW SS Power plant, and the state-owned Coal Power Generation Company’s Matarbari 600 MW LNG-based power plant.
“We’ve maintained recognized international standards and practices in conducting our research to find out the corruption... We have necessary substantive documents in our hands to prove the allegations”, said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the TIB, while virtually briefing reporters during the presentation of the report.