Scrap 'quick increase in supply of power bill'
Demands TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern over the passage of Power and Energy Fast Supply Enhancement (Special Provision) Act, 2010 and demanded its withdrawal for the sake of ensuring transparency and accountability in power sector.
In a statement yesterday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the government's pledge to ensure transparency and accountability in the public procurement sector will be at a stake through the passage of the bill.
Parliament on Sunday passed the bill for introduction of a new law providing the government with sweeping authority to quickly award energy sector contracts on unsolicited negotiation basis.
The provision of the bill that any arrangement and decision or directive on power and energy cannot be questioned in the court, is not consistent with the accepted democratic and accountable government system, the statement said.
As immediate progress in the energy sector is undeniable, transparency and accountability in this sector is also indispensable, it reads.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the chance of irregularities and political influence would increase if any decision about import or marketing in the energy sector is taken disregarding rules of the existing public procurement act 2009 and without ensuring transparency and healthy competition.
The government has allocated Tk 4,995 crore and Tk 1,080 crore for the power and energy sectors respectively in 2010-11 fiscal year, he said.
People expects that the government would not relax the preconditions of transparency and accountability in utilising such a huge amount of money, he added.
TIB urged the government to follow appropriate steps in the procurement in the power sector. It also requested the governments to withdraw the bill and move forward in consultation with experts concerned.
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