Bangladesh adopts new energy law

Bangladesh’s parliament has passed a law that gives the government sweeping authority to bypass any existing legislation in the energy and power sector, and implement projects quickly, in a bid to address the country’s acute shortage of power and gas. Under the new Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Bill, all types of power and energy projects, including the import of natural gas, coal, liquefied natural gas and petroleum products, as well as the extraction of mineral resources, can be implemented quickly, without the usual tendering process. The new law will be effective immediately for two years, unless extended or scrapped. The government will form a proposal processing committee comprised of technical and other experts to make energy and power sector proposals. These will be sent to the cabinet committee on purchase for a final nod. If approved, the relevant ministries or government bodies will implement them. (October 4, 2010)