B.Mirrror Desk: Extreme ambiguity surrounds the mega-tender for importing 8 million metric tons of coal for the Rampal Thermal Power Plant. Allegations have surfaced that S.M. Zahid Hasan, the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) of the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (BIFPCL), employed double standards and leveraged political influence regarding tender conditions to grant undue advantages to specific firms. This situation has raised questions about the transparency and security of the country’s overall energy sector.

Double Standards and Ambiguity in Tender Evaluation
Multiple industry sources indicate that a “level playing field” was not ensured throughout the tender evaluation process. Complainants claim that the technical and financial criteria of all participating firms are not being assessed equitably. Attempts to favor a specific group—rather than conducting an impartial evaluation—have sparked intense resentment and dissatisfaction among other bidders.
Preferential Treatment for Controversial and Inexperienced Firms: Allegations suggest that specific companies—such as Lianex, Mohit Minerals, and Loshe Shipping—are receiving preferential treatment during the evaluation. Yet, significant doubts remain regarding their capabilities concerning prior coal supply experience, necessary technical and logistical capacity, and their ability to meet the tender’s stringent conditions. Conversely, it is claimed that despite the Singapore-based firm ‘Lianex’ submitting all required technical documentation, there are deliberate attempts to find faults in their proposal.
Demand for Direct Verification of ‘Mine MoU’ and Mining Capacity: Serious questions have been raised regarding the flaws in the verification process for the ‘Mine MoU’ (Memorandum of Understanding) concerning coal sources. There is a strong demand that the MoUs submitted by bidders not be accepted merely as paperwork but be independently verified directly through the coal mine owners or their authorized representatives. It is crucial to verify—through official emails and direct communication with the mine authorities—the actual ownership, daily production capacity, coal quality, and consistent supply capability of the specific Indonesian mines proposed for sourcing the coal.
**Risk of Severe Disruption to National Power Generation Due to Supply Failure:** Awarding a contract to an incompetent or unsuitable supplier would force the entire nation to bear the consequences. Failure to supply the right quality of coal on time could completely cripple production at the Rampal Power Plant. This would not only jeopardize the power supply system but also trigger a major crisis regarding national energy security and the financial management of the relevant public sector entities.
**Stifling Competition and Abuse of Power:** Aggrieved bidders have accused S.M. Zahid Hasan of abusing his authority with malicious intent. They allege a conspiracy to eliminate other qualified competitors from the bidding process in order to favor an unseen party. Such conduct stands in direct conflict with the fundamental principles of international tendering, transparency, and fair competition.
**Political Influence and Collusion with Powerful Syndicates:** Allegations have also surfaced that Zahid Hasan leveraged political influence to sway decisions. Investigations reveal a close personal and political relationship between him and Anindya Islam Amit, the State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. He reportedly used this connection as a shield to tilt tender decisions in his favor. Furthermore, information has emerged regarding his close ties with the controversial business conglomerate, the ‘S. Alam Group.’
**Acquisition of Illegal Assets and Suspicions of Corruption:** Beyond tender-related irregularities, shocking allegations have been raised regarding Zahid Hasan amassing vast amounts of illegal wealth through the abuse of power. Local sources report the construction of a luxurious residence along the riverbank in his home district of Naogaon. Although the process of independently verifying asset declarations and ownership documents is still underway, the allegations point directly at him. Demand for Transparency and a New Tender
To dispel the suspicions surrounding this massive contract for 8 million metric tonnes of coal, demands have been raised to make every stage of the tender evaluation process transparent to the public.
Details regarding whether the logistical, financial, and technical capabilities of each bidder were assessed on an equal footing should be disclosed. There is a strong demand to cancel the current tender and invite a new, transparent, and competitive one if the allegations are proven true. Stakeholders.
Safeguarding the nation’s energy security and the final step: The tender for the Rampal Power Plant is not merely a commercial agreement; it is inextricably linked to the country’s overall energy security and the assurance of uninterrupted power supply. The nation’s strategic interests must not be sacrificed to the undue influence of any individual or special interest group. Therefore, before any controversial decision is made, it is imperative to prioritize verifiable documentation, proven experience, and absolute transparency.