HC orders formation of probe body to re-evaluate agreements with Adani

The High Court has directed the formation of an investigation committee to review and verify the electricity purchase agreements with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's group. At the same time, the court has issued a rule asking why this agreement, which is against the country's interests, should not be canceled if there is no opportunity for reconsideration.

On Tuesday, a High Court bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Ray Chowdhury issued these orders after hearing a writ petition filed in this regard.

The petitioner's lawyer, Barrister Abdul Kayum, stated during the hearing that the agreement did not protect Bangladesh's interests and was made solely for the benefit of Adani. He called it a fraudulent contract.

Later, the High Court directed that all documents related to this agreement be submitted within a month. The court also instructed the formation of a special committee within a month, which should submit a report within two months. During this period, the court emphasized the protection of the country's interests first and foremost.

Earlier, on November 13, a writ petition was filed in the High Court seeking the cancellation of all agreements related to electricity with India's Adani Group. The petition referred to the agreement made by the Awami League government as being against the country's interests and unfair. On November 6, a legal notice was sent to the government, demanding the cancellation of all agreements with Adani Group. The government entered into a 25-year agreement to buy electricity from Adani in 2017.