Summary: 

The Jatiyo Sangshad extended the tenure of quick power supply Act which allows a sweeping authority to bypass the existing legislation for quick implementation of projects in all types of energy and power sectors.

Content:

Previously, The Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply Act 2010 was extended until October 2021, which would finish in this month. The act was extended because of no reason as the electricity target reached more than it needed. So, the nation’s hyper drive to add new power plants seemed overwhelmingly unnecessary.

But, recently for the uninterrupted supply of the electricity, Jatiya Sangshad on September 16, extended the tenure of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy supply (Special Provision) Amendment Act 2010, by five more years. The cabinet approved the proposal in the virtual meeting with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

‘Since the tenure of the existing law is going to expire In 2021, the proposed law was brought to extend it by another five years till 2026,” said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam while briefing reporters after the meeting.

The Act was introduced to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and energy.  The law allows a sweeping authority to bypass existing legislation for quick implementation of projects in the energy and power sectors.

 All types of power and energy projects, including the import of natural gas, coal, LNG (liquefied natural gas) and petroleum products, as well as the extraction of mineral resources would be eligible for implementation without the usual tendering process – at least for the next five years under the purview of the law.

Moreover, electricity generation, transmission and distribution projects would also be covered under the act. Any kind of activities implementing under the act cannot be subject to any legal challenge under the purview of the act.

The extension of the law has already contributed to the country’s overall electricity generation. According to the statement, it was 3000 megawatts in 2009 which soared to around 25000 MW with the help of this act.

However, the special act is not immune to criticism. It was criticized by energy expert Professor M Tamim as the situation is not proper to him for the special law. He said, ‘I don’t see any logic for further extension of the special law.’ He alleged that the law needs mechanisms to ensure transparency.

It was further criticized by Ijaz Hossain, an energy expert and Professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He was astonished by the further extension and saw it as a sign of failure by the government to make the countrymen satisfied with the power and energy supply.

It was also criticized by M Shamsul Alam, energy Adviser of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh as he sees it to encourage corruption and non-transparency in the energy and power sector.

The special law was first enacted in October 2010. It was extended for the first time by two years. Many critics showed their consent of extension back then. But now, the further extension after October 2021 has got many criticisms. But the draft has already been finalized by the government.

Pic source & Article Source: The Financial express