Allegations of arbitrary decisions against former Power Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan

Bangla Press Desk : A series of allegations have emerged against former Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, with critics claiming that several of his decisions during his tenure hindered rather than advanced Bangladesh’s power sector.

Stakeholders in the industry allege that despite holding a key position in the interim government, Fouzul Kabir Khan failed to bring meaningful progress to the electricity sector. Instead, they say some of his policy decisions created additional challenges for power producers and investors.Officials involved in the sector claim that the former adviser often overlooked the opinions of industry professionals and stakeholders while making major decisions. According to them, this approach discouraged investment, particularly in renewable energy projects, at a time when the country was expected to accelerate its transition toward sustainable power sources.

Critics further allege that certain decisions were taken near the end of his tenure in an effort to improve his public image before the incoming government. These decisions, they say, left private power plant owners facing operational and financial difficulties. At the same time, large unpaid dues for electricity production reportedly remained unsettled, placing a significant financial burden on the new administration.

After retiring from government service in 2009, Fouzul Kabir Khan established a consulting firm named Keystone Consulting, which later became involved in technical advisory services in the rural electricity sector. Another firm linked to the same network, Keystone Business Support Company Limited, chaired by his wife Dilruba Kabir, reportedly received several contracts during the previous government’s tenure. Allegations have been raised that major projects under the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board were awarded to the company during that period.

Fouzul Kabir Khan took oath as an adviser on August 16, 2024. Later, on October 24, 2024, his company sent a letter seeking to terminate an existing contract related to a rural electrification project, citing a potential conflict of interest because the firm was connected to the adviser. However, observers note that the request came more than two months after he assumed office, raising questions about possible conflicts of interest during that time.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sought detailed information about the former adviser’s bank accounts. On March 3, the agency sent letters to banks and financial institutions across the country requesting records of his financial transactions as part of a probe into potential irregularities or suspicious transfers.

Further controversy surrounds a decision taken near the end of his tenure to increase liquidated damages (LD) penalties for private power plants. Industry representatives say the move added pressure on power producers while leaving approximately Tk 14,000 crore in unpaid dues to private power plants.

David Hasnat, president of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association, said the penalties were imposed shortly before the adviser stepped down, which strained relations between power producers and the new government.

Similarly, Mostafa Al Mahmud, president of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association, said that although Fouzul Kabir Khan had initially promised reforms in the power sector, his policies ultimately led to stagnation rather than progress.

Experts say the situation has increased pressure on the current administration to stabilize the electricity sector and resolve the outstanding financial obligations left behind.Source: daily Sun

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