Lawyers and activists term speedy energy supply act ‘unconstitutional’

10 July 2020 | The Daily Star 
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Speakers at a virtual seminar today urged the government to scrap the speedy energy supply act, officially known as the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010, terming it "unconstitutional". 

They also urged the government to immediately cancel all coal and gas-based rental, quick rental and coal-fired power plant projects. 

Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) and the School of People's Law today jointly organised the seminar titled "Challenges of Energy Sector Immunity in Bangladesh", says a press release. 

While speaking at the seminar, eminent environmentalist Syeda Rizwana Hasan criticised the government's plan to build 29 coal-fired power plants without having a coal policy in place. 

"In the last 14-15 years, a number of coal policies were drafted, but none was finalised. Without finalising a policy, how did the government go on building 29 plants?" asked Rizwana.

Rizwana, chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela), also criticised the government's intolerance to opposition voices. 

"In the past, people could protest against the open pit coal mining and power plant. But now it's impossible for even 200 people to gather and protest against a power plant. They will be beaten by the police. No exceptions, [not] even for university professors," Rizwana said. 

The speedy power supply act was enacted in 2010 for two years. The law was first extended by two years until 2014 and by four years until 2018. In 2018, the tenure of the act was extended for the third time, until 2021. 

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua presented the keynote speech at the seminar. He said, "This law is a clear violation of the constitution. It has unfettered power and is being used against public interest." 

He also criticised the law as it protects officials from prosecution for awarding contracts without tender. 

In late June, former Power Division secretary Fouzul Kabir Khan also demanded that the act be revoked, saying it had turned out to be a reason for the power sector's inefficiency. The law has been renewed multiple times which is no longer necessary. 

The National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports also recently asked the government to scrap the law. They demanded a transparent, pragmatic and pro-people power policy for ensuring the country's energy security through full utilisation of domestic resources. 

Call for EOI: Preparation of a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by the bilateral and multilateral financial institutions in Bangladesh


21 January 2021 
The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is seeking qualified researcher among its members and well-wishers to develop a a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by the bilateral and multilateral financial institutions in Bangladesh. The Terms of Reference of the job are as follows: 


Background 

Bangladesh is one of the countries seriously affected by COVID-19 pandemic - both economically and socially. It is also one of the MVCs due to adverse impacts of climate crisis. The rural livelihoods, along with the urban, especially the non-formal sector who contributes around 85% of total economy, was affected highly due to inconsistent lock down, and lack of proper safety net services. The migrated labors and expatriates lost their jobs and were stuck in places which are far from their families. 

Bangladesh is also one of the countries facing massive debt-burden in recent years. The total loan of the country crossed USD 63.2 billion with an outstanding loan of USD 38.7 billion. To meet the COVID-19 economic crisis, the GOB has declared several stimulus packages of USD 8,787.00 million for Export Oriented industries, public expenditure and social safety net services, informal sector workers and health & security workers. 

Most of the amount from COVID loan went to the national budget directly which has come out again as bail out support for the export oriented industries. A portion of the money has also gone to the private fossil fuel power producers as capacity charge. A large portion of money has gone to the health sector. But media reports revealed massive corruption and mismanagement in the COVID related programs. There are several cases of basic human rights violations also. 

Considering the situation, Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) has taken an initiative to start a stock taking on utilization of COVID-19 recovery loans, corruption, human rights violation and responsibilities of the IFIs is important to ensure transparency and accountability as well as human rights in the project activities under the emergency loans. 

Broader Objective 

Revitalizing Transparency, Accountability and Public Interest in the COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by International Financial Institutes (IFIs) considering impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. 

Specific Objectives 

  1. Unwrapping the misuse, corruption, human rights violation and ineffectiveness of the COVID-19 economic recovery finances provided by the International Financial Institutions, especially ADB and AIIB in Bangladesh 
  2. Creating a regional and international space to question eligibility and effectiveness of COVID-19 funds in Bangladesh 
  3. Create an opportunity of evidence based advocacy on COVID-19 recovery financing. 

Deliverables 

  • Preparation of a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans especially covering the issues of Debt Burden, Access to Health and other Essential Services, Access Recovery Facilities, Corruption and Misuse of Funds, Human Rights and Civil Society Space. 
  • Participation in the National and International Webinars on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, particularly: 
  • National Discussion on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Burden & Access to Essential Services 
  • South Asian Regional Dialogue on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Servicing and Role of IFIs 
  • International Meeting on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Corruption and Basic Human Rights. 

Study Timeline 

3 Months (1 February - 30 April 2021) 
  • Preparation of a Country Assessment Report on COVID-19 Recovery Loans: 15 days (1 Feb - 15 Mar 2021) 
  • Participation in the National Discussion on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Burden & Access to Essential Services: 1 Day (20 - 25 March 2021) 
  • Participation in the South Asian Regional Dialogue on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Servicing and Role of IFIs: 1 Day (1 - 10 April 2021) 
  • Participation in the International Meeting on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Corruption and Basic Human Rights: 1 Day (20 - 30 April 2021) 

Budget 

The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) will contribute a consolidated amount of BDT 100,000.00 (Bangladesh Taka One lakh only). 

Expression of Interest 

BWGED Members/allies are requested to submit their Expression of Interest within two pages which includes: 
  • Background of the Concept 
  • Process & Methodology of the Study
  • Action Plan 
  • Necessary Inputs 
  • Curriculum Vitae of the Lead Researcher 

Interested members of BWGED are requested to send their Expression of Interest (EOI) through a two-page Concept Note and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Lead Researcher to tuhin@cleanbd.org by 25 January 2020, Monday 5:00 PM (Bangladesh Time).

Call for EOI: Preparation of a Factsheet on COVID-19 Recovery Loans and Climate Crisis in Bangladesh


Saturday, 6 February 2021:
The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) is seeking qualified researcher among its members and well-wishers to develop a Factsheet on COVID-19 Recovery Loans and Climate Crisis in Bangladesh. The Terms of Reference of the job are as follows: 

Background 

The economy of Bangladesh is seriously affected by COVID-19 pandemic. It is also one of the MVCs due to adverse impacts of climate crisis with only 573 KGs of per capita emission. Bangladesh is also playing the role of Chair in Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) now. The energy demand, especially the electricity, had come down to around 50% during the pandemic which contributed to reduce overall emission. On the other hand, allocation of money for fossil fuel based new power plants is supposed to add more emission especially in the coastal zone which is well recognized as global hotspot of climate crisis.

To meet the COVID-19 economic crisis, the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) estimated a total requirement of USD 25,835 million including USD 8,810 million as additional financing. So far, the government has taken USD 4,415.80 million (BDT 36,651 crore) from different bilateral and multilateral sources. The loan amounts are as follows:
  1. COVID-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness Project: World Bank: USD 100.00 million
  2. COVID-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness Project: AIIB: USD 100.00 million
  3. COVID-19 Response Emergency Assistance Project: ADB: USD 100.00 million
  4. COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program: ADB: USD 501.00 million
  5. COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program: AIIB: USD 250.00 million
  6. COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance: IMF: USD 732.00
  7. COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan: JICA: USD 329.00 million
  8. COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (APDRF) ADB-Japan: USD 3.00 million
  9. COVID 19 School Sector Response (GPE): World Bank: USD 14.80 million
  10. COVID-19 Response Emergency Assistance Project: ADB: USD 1.00 million
  11. COVID-19 Emergency and Crisis Response Facility: AIIB: USD 300.00
  12. Private Investment and Digital Entrepreneurship (PRIDE) Project: World Bank: USD 500.00 million
  13. Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE) Project: World Bank: USD 295.00 million
  14. Second Programmatic Jobs Development Policy Credit: World Bank: USD 250.00 million
  15. Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX): ADB: USD 940.00 million

Among the total loan, USD 2,862 million (BDT 23,754 crore) has been allocated as supplement to the national budget directly in respective sector. A good amount of money has allocated for the private power producers a capacity charge from the budget. Another part of the budget has allocated for new power plants, including coal-based ones. Besides economic burden, these investments has significant impacts on climate crisis including additional carbon emission and risks on the vulnerable people.

Considering the situation, Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) has taken an initiative to develop a Factsheet on the COVID-19 Recovery Loans and Impacts on the Climate Crisis for sensitizing policymakers and financiers through campaign and advocacy targeting IFIs and their guiding principles.

Broader Objective

Ensuring climate-responsive expenditure of COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by International Financial Institutes (IFIs) considering impacts of climate crisis of Bangladesh. 

Specific Objectives

  1. Analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on climate change, particularly on energy sector.
  2. Unwrapping the allocation of amount for the Private Power Producers and new energy projects from COVID-19 recovery loans
  3. Create an opportunity of evidence based advocacy on COVID-19 loans and its impact on the climate crisis.

Deliverables

  1. A Factsheet on IFI financed COVID-19 Recovery Loans and its impact on climate crisis in Bangladesh (maximum 5,000 words).
  2. Participation and presentation in national and international meetings and dialogues on COVID-19 and Climate Crisis.

Study Timeline

13 Days (within 10 March - 19 April 2021)
  • Factsheet: 10 Days (10 Mar - 19 Apr 2021)
              Submission of the first draft: 30 Mar 2021
             Submission of final report: 15 Apr 2021
  • Dissemination: 3 Days: Participation and presentation in national and international meetings and dialogues

Budget

The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) will contribute a consolidated amount of BDT 25,000.00 (Bangladesh Taka Twenty Five thousand only) for the job.

Expression of Interest

BWGED Members/allies are requested to submit their Expression of Interest which includes:
  1. Background of the Concept
  2. 2. Process and Methodology for developing the Factsheet (Secondary Data Collection, Data Analysis, Key Informant Interview, Focus Group Discussion etc.)
  3. Action Plan
  4. Necessary Inputs
  5. Curriculum Vitae of the Lead Researcher

Interested members & allies of BWGED are requested to send their Expression of Interest (EOI) with a maximum two-page Concept Note and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Lead Researcher to info@cleanbd.org by 1 March 2021, Monday.

Call for EOI: Case Study on ADB-AIIB financed COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program


3 February 2021

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Background
Bangladesh is one of the countries seriously affected by COVID-19 pandemic - both economically and socially. It is also one of the MVCs due to adverse impacts of climate crisis. The rural livelihoods, along with the urban, especially the non-formal sector who contributes around 85% of total economy, have been affected highly due to inconsistent lock down and lack of proper health and safety net services.

Bangladesh is also one of the countries facing massive debt-burden in recent years. The total loan of the country crossed USD 105 billion which is around 34.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To meet the COVID-19 economic crisis, the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) estimated a total requirement of USD 25,835 million including USD 8,810 million as additional financing.

In response of GOB's call, ADB has granted a budget-support loan of USD 250 million from Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR), USD 250 from Asian Development Fund (ADF) and USD 1.00 million grant from Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) [1] along with USD 250 million from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program [2].

The major activities under the USD 751 million project are [3]:
  1. Special honorarium for 2,000 frontline doctors, nurses and other medical workers;
  2. Monthly allowance of BDT 500.00 for 750,000 newly enrolled senior citizens (40% women);
  3. Monthly allowance of BDT 500.00 for 250,000 newly enrolled widow and husband-deserted women;
  4. One time allowance of BDT 2,000 for 2,000,000 poor families (20% female-headed);
  5. Monthly 20 kgs of food support for 1 million poor and vulnerable families;
  6. Wage subsidies of BDT 30 billion to the workers in export-oriented industries (50% women);
  7. Subsidized interest-loan of BDT 170 billion for affected industries, sectors and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises;
  8. Training on better management of Social Safety Net Services for 150 staffs from Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW), Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA), and Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MODMR);
  9. Digital financial services, banking channels and other tools are developed for improved poverty targeting and better financial services;
  10. Development of a guidance note for inclusive and gender-responsive social protection and welfare services;
  11. Upgradation of the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system to provide timely and accurate sex-disaggregated M&E reports. 
Several reports on discrimination, corruption and misuse related with CARES Program have already been published in the national newspapers. There are significant human rights violations also for criticizing ineffectiveness of Recovery Program. The progress level is also shown in ADB and AIIB Monitoring Report [4].

Considering the situation, Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) has taken an initiative to develop a Case Study on the CARES Program for revitalizing transparency, accountability and public interest through campaign and advocacy targeting ADB and AIIB and their guiding policies. 

Broader Objective 
Revitalizing Transparency, Accountability and Public Interest in the COVID-19 Recovery Loans provided by International Financial Institutes (IFIs) considering impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. 

Specific Objectives 
  1. Unwrapping the misuse, corruption and ineffectiveness of the ADB-AIIB financed COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program 
  2. Creating a regional and international space to question eligibility and effectiveness of CARES Program 
  3. Create an opportunity of evidence based advocacy on CARES Program. 

Deliverables 
  1. Case Study on ADB-AIIB financed COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program focusing on access to health and social safety net services, vested interest of private corporations, misuse, corruption and ineffectiveness. 
  2. Participation and presentation in national and international meetings and dialogues on CARES Program: (i) National Discussion (ii) South Asian Regional Dialogue (iii) International Meeting

Study Timeline 
13 Days in 2 Months (20 February - 19 April 2021) 
  1. 10 Days (within 20 Feb - 19 Apr 2021): Preparation of the Case Study on COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program: (i) Submission of the first draft: 30 Mar 2021 (ii) Submission of final report: 14 Apr 2021 
  2. 3 Days: Participation and presentation in national and international meetings and dialogues on CARES Program: (i) 1 Day (within 20-25 Mar 2021): Participation in the National Discussion on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Burden and Access to Essential Services (ii) 1 Day (within 1-10 Apr 2021): Participation in the South Asian Regional Dialogue on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Debt Servicing and Role of International Financial Institutions (iii) 1 Day (within 20-30 Apr 2021): Participation in the International Meeting on COVID-19 Recovery Loans, Corruption and Basic Human Rights 

Budget 
The Bangladesh Working Group on External Debt (BWGED) will contribute a consolidated amount of BDT 40,000.00 (Bangladesh Taka Forty thousand only) for the job. 


Expression of Interest (EOI) 
BWGED Members/allies are requested to submit their Expression of Interest which includes: 
  1. Background of the Concept 
  2. Process and Methodology of the Study (Secondary Data Collection, Data Analysis, Key Informant Interview, Focus Group Discussion etc.) 
  3. Action Plan 
  4. Necessary Inputs 
  5. Curriculum Vitae of the Lead Researcher 
Interested members & allies of BWGED are requested to send their Expression of Interest (EOI) with a maximum two-page Concept Note and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Lead Researcher to tuhin@cleanbd.org by 15 February 2020, Monday 5:00 PM (Bangladesh Time). 

Reference
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