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Boomage incoming 🙆‍♂️

I’ve a way you could save a bit more 😗😉

Https://www.observerbd.com/news/526475

Renegotiation with private power plants on cards

Plan to save Tk 2,630.31cr a year

Published : Wednesday, 21 May, 2025 at 12:00 AM Count : 29

Shahnaj Begum

Government plans to re-negotiate tariffs with private power-plant owners and state owned companies, aiming to save Tk 2,630.31 crore annually, as the present amount is considered "excessive" or "increased additional cost", a government committee report has said.

In December 2024 the Power Division formed the committee headed by Additional Power Secretary AKM Ali Reza to scrutinize the PPAs signed with publicly and jointly owned power generation companies and to identify opportunities for cost reduction. The committee was also requested to make the report on "Excel-Based Financial Models" related to PPA tariffs and five-year audited financials.

"The committee identified inconsistencies in the PPAs, proposed a revised tariff structure," a senior official of the Power Division told the Daily observer quoting the draft report, which is going to be published soon.

Meanwhile, the interim government has directed three joint venture coal-fired power plants-Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company, Bangladesh-China Power Company, and RPCL-Norinco Power Plant-to review inconsistencies in their Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), as part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency and accountability in the power sector.

The committee has found that the power companies are earning excessive profits due to the high return on equity (RoE), overstated operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and inflated heat rate through making them corrupt people's allies in the power sector.

State-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has picked the 718MW JERA Meghnaghat plant as the first one to initiate tariff re-negotiations, industry insiders said.

"The RoE was set at 12 per cent in most tariff agreements-unusually high for government-owned companies while the O&M rate in the agreements is significantly higher than actual expenses and the heat rate used in tariff calculations exceeds the actual performance of the plants. But RoE could be reduced from 12 per cent to 6 per cent," the report said.

Additionally, 23 publicly owned power units under the North-West Power Generation Company Ltd. (NWPGCL), Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd. (APSCL), Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh (EGCB), Rural Power Company Ltd. (RPCL), and B-R Powergen Ltd. (BRPL) have also been directed to assess their PPAs.

The report also include a summary of potential savings, which include NWPGCL (6 plants) Tk 139.90 crore, APSCL (5 plants): Tk 75.75 crore, EGCB (3 plants) Tk 32.86 crore, RPCL (4 plants) Tk 43.41 crore, and BRPL (2 plants) Tk 27.79 crore. APSCL's 50MW Engine Plant already has a 4 per cent RoE.

However, key saving measures include Tk 319.73 crore from reducing the RoE of public companies, Tk 432.41 crore by cutting Fixed O&M charges-foreig

100-300p upside

A few 0.1p’s downside.

Doesn’t make sense to sell for a lower position. Especially given the “if” is no longer an issue. “When” could be any time.

A trader just bottled it and bought back 😀

Won’t the contract be with us though or do you think it needs the Gov to sanction / be involved?

The GoB weren’t involved in the PC contract.

Where’s my Chinese miner RNS worth guaranteed $15 billion digit?

Can’t be far off.

I see a big rise coming. Locked and loaded.

December (or before) election date 😁

👏

His plan at becoming the next dictator is unraveling fast.

Bet he calls an election date in December 😉

Https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/french-president-macron-snubs-bangladeshs-yunus-forcing-trip-cancellation/amp_articleshow/121276188.cms

French President Macron snubs Bangladesh's Yunus, forcing trip cancellation

Reuters

Synopsis

French President Emmanuel Macron declined a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh's interim adviser Md Yunus during the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Dhaka had requested the meeting, but France cited numerous similar requests and a preference to keep bilateral talks separate from the conference. Yunus's visit was subsequently canceled, potentially impacting his efforts to seek international support.

By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, ET Bureau

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Last Updated: May 20, 2025, 12:39:00 AM IST

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused a bilateral format meeting with Bangladesh interim adviser Md Yunus on the sidelines of an international conference next month, a decision that is being seen as a setback for Yunus' global outreach.

Yunus was all set to visit France to attend the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, and Dhaka had requested a meeting between Yunus and Macron on the sidelines of the conference.

However, France was not accepting the proposal for that meeting following which Yunus' visit to France had to be cancelled, hinted persons familiar with the matter.

The conference is going to be held in Nice, France from June 9. The French president plans to host a dinner for the participants on June 8.

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Sources from Dhaka informed that after receiving the invitation from France, Bangladesh made huge efforts to arrange a bilateral meeting between Macron and Yunus. Paris informed that many countries interested in attending the conference have already requested a bilateral meeting, indicating that there was no scope for another bilateral meeting.

Https://eastend24.com/first-round-of-national-consensus-talks-concludes-after-two-months/

First round of national consensus talks concludes after two months

Admin

May 19, 2025

10:54 pm

No Comments

The first round of dialogues between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, aimed at building consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government, concluded on Monday after two months of discussions, reports UNB.

“The first phase of talks with political parties, which began two months ago, concluded today (Monday),” said Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz while presiding over the discussion with Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex.

On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives.

The commission held talks with 33 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP).

Prof Ali Riaz said the Consensus Commission will start the second round of dialogues soon to reach consensus on reform agendas.

“In the dialogues with political parties, we have been able to reach consensus on many issues and we also have differences of opinion on several issues. We will soon begin the second phase of talks and discuss all the issues on which there are differences of opinion,” he said.

Prof Ali Riaz hoped that the commission could move forward quickly in preparing a national charter through unresolved issue-based discussions.

A seven-member CPB delegation, led by Ruhin Hossain Prince, attended its second day of talks with the Consensus Commission.

Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.

The commission, in its initial phase, compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback.

At least 34 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP, responded by sending their reform opinions in broad sheets to the Consensus Commission.

The National Consensus Commission aims to reach a national consensus by mid-July to prepare a national charter to reform the state structures.

Beat me to it 😃

Https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/power-play-in-dhaka-as-yunus-eyes-control-bangladesh-army-moves-to-reclaim-authority/ar-AA1F2XHK

Yunus is going to be evicted.

Https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/why-december-when-polls-can-be-aug-oct-3897476

Why December, when polls can be in Aug-Oct?

Says Amir Khosru

Staff Correspondent

Mon May 19, 2025 12:19 AM Last update on: Mon May 19, 2025 12:24 AM

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said the national election could feasibly be held between August and October, but the government was not moving in that direction.

"There is no reason to wait until December. The election can be held in August, September, or October. The delay is only fuelling uncertainty and anxiety," he told reporters at a city hotel.

"They are not moving towards the election. They are heading in a different direction," he said, referring to the government.

There is consensus on certain reform proposals, he said. "If there is agreement, why the delay? Reforms can be announced within hours."

The BNP leader criticised the government for prioritising other initiatives.

"Why are they wasting time? They are making decisions like handing over the Chattogram port. Who gave them the mandate?

"We want elections to be held by December. But even that delay is unnecessary. Polls can be held much earlier."

On the question of appointment of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, he said, "If there is a court order, why is it not being implemented? Is this not a failure of the rule of law?"

Unelected individuals were occupying key roles without any connection to the people.

"Those involved in the politics of the people of Bangladesh aren't given responsibilities. Different types of people are constantly being given important roles. Who gave them that authority?"

Khosru emphasised that political reforms should not be shaped by individual or partisan agendas.

"Reforms must be achieved through a democratic process that reflects the will of the people. The people of Bangladesh want to reclaim their ownership and elect their government."

Https://www.observerbd.com/news/526135

Investors issue 48-hour ultimatum for BSEC chairman's resignation

Published : Monday, 19 May, 2025 at 12:00 AM Count : 55

Business Correspondent

Share market investors have issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of Khondoker Rashed Maqsood, chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) over prolonged downturn in the capital market.

They also threatened to intensify their protest programme if BSEC chairman does not step down within the given deadline.

SM Iqbal, president of the Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association, announced the ultimatum from a protest programme on Sunday.

The association later held a coffin march and funeral prayer (janaza) that took place at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel and concluded in front of the old Dhaka Stock Exchange building.

On May 8, investors held a similar demonstration protesting the destruction of the capital market under Maqsood's leadership.

"We do not want any reform in the capital market with incumbent BSEC chairman in place. He has pushed the market toward destruction, and small investors have lost everything," said SM Iqbal during the protest.

He added, "The chairman's removal is the most necessary reform. There will be no discussions as long as he remains. If he doesn't resign within 48 hours, we know what to do. We will announce tougher programmes."

Https://www.newagebd.net/post/politics/265250/govt-ignoring-core-duty-of-holding-polls-bnp

Govt ignoring core duty of holding polls: BNP

United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka

19 May, 2025, 00:11

Image description

Stating that the national election could be held between August and October, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday alleged that the government was focusing on everything except their main task of arranging the national election.

‘Why aren’t they [government] doing the work they need to do? They need to immediately declare an election roadmap, give themselves time for that, and focus entirely on the election,’ he said.

Talking to reporters at a city hotel, the BNP leader also said that the government was doing everything except working on the election. ‘Who has given them the responsibility to do everything?’

He said that it might take a week, a day, or even a few hours for the government to announce reforms on which the political parties had reached consensus.

Instead of holding the election, the BNP leader said that the interim government was rushing in other directions and taking major political decisions such as providing a human corridor and handing over the management of Chattogram port to foreigners, pushing the country towards danger. ‘Why are they making these decisions and wasting time? What do they want to demonstrate?’

He said that the country’s people did not give the interim government any mandate to take major and political decisions. The government had to make visible signs of arranging the national election.

Khosru said that the people of Bangladesh had made huge sacrifices for the election, the restoration of democracy, and their ownership of the country. ‘It can’t go in vain in any way.’

The BNP leader said the government had held an investment summit and was undertaking many other activities beyond its duties. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of a court order regarding the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. ‘When court orders are not followed, isn’t the rule of law breached?’

Khosru said that different people were constantly taking on various responsibilities despite having no connection with people. ‘They are imported, and they will not understand the problems of the people. Who are they? Who has given them the responsibility to determine in which direction Bangladesh will head in the future?’

He also said that reform had to be carried out through a democratic process instead of implementing any particular quarter’s agenda. ‘The reform will be done as per the people’s wishes and, based on that the future of Bangladesh will be shaped.’

‘Bangladesh is now in an uncertain situation, and no one knows in which direction it is moving forward. The people of Bangladesh ousted a fascist and autocratic regime to restore a democratic system. There’s still no vi

Https://en.prothomalo.com/amp/story/bangladesh/politics/846o5p710f

Jamaat seeks referendum on finalising ‘July charter’

Staff CorrespondentDhaka

Published: 18 May 2025, 23:17

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami proposed on Sunday organising a referendum to finalise the “July charter”.

The party made the proposal during a discussion with the National Consensus Commission at the parliament’s LD hall.

Jamaat’s nayeb-e-ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told this to the media he addressed after the discussion.

The National Consensus Commission has been discussing with the political parties on important recommendations presented by five reform commissions on reaching a consensus regarding reforms.

Today was the second round of discussion with the Jamaat, following the first round of discussion on 26 April.

The first spell of discussion between the National Consensus Commission and Jamaat-e-Islami ended today.

The interim government earlier said a charter, July Charter, will be prepared after discussions with the political parties on reforms.

Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher told the media after the discussions that today’s meeting discussed the issues that are important but on which no consensus has been reached, and, how such issues will be given a legal basis one by one. In this case, Jamaat-e-Islami has said very clearly that they want a referendum.

The Jamaat nayeb-e-ameer further said, “Jamaat-e-Islami seeks for a referendum whether it is over the July Charter, national charter or any other important issue beyond the charter.”

Explaining the party’s position on seeking a referendum, Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, a referendum is a system where representatives of the people of Bangladesh; the common people will take decisions. This referendum will provide a legal basis. Jamaat proposed a referendum to give this a legal base.

A 11-member delegation of Jamaat including nayeb-e-ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher, acting secretary general Maulana ATM Masum, assistant secretary general Rafiqul Islam Khan; assistant secretary general Rafiqul Islam Khan, Hamidur Rahman Azad, took part in the discussions.

National Consensus Commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz, commission member Md Emdadul Haque, National Consensus Commission Md Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumder, Safar Raaz Hossain, Iftekharuzzaman, Md Aiyub Mia, and he chief adviser’s special assistant Monir Haider took part in the discussion.

Https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/interim-govt-has-little-time-think-about-reforms-adviser-wahiduddin-1145716?amp

Interim govt has little time to think about reforms: Adviser Wahiduddin

BANGLADESH

UNB

18 May, 2025, 10:00 pm

Last modified: 18 May, 2025, 10:03 pm

Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud. Sketch: TBS

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Sunday (18 May) said although it was the prime task of the interim government to introduce reforms, but it lacks time to think about it.

"Our job was to so the reform, but it is hard to get time for thinking about reform," he said.

The adviser made the statement while briefing reporters about the outcome of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the NEC conference room.

He said that the time this interim government got was to do the reform, but it need some space for thinking about reform with cool head.

"It needs stable atmosphere to think about anything," he added.

He mentioned that there are so many demands coming towards the interim government after it assumed office.

"These are not reforms, these are filling the discrimination, removing the deprivation, these are not reforms," he said.