The tender has also triggered allegations that SM Zahid Hasan, chief procurement officer of the Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company (BIFPCL), used tender conditions to favour certain companies and applied different standards during the evaluation process.
Several industry sources said the tender evaluation has not ensured a level playing field for all bidders. They alleged that the technical and financial qualifications of participating companies are not being assessed equally.
According to the sources, some bidders have received preferential treatment while other companies have faced additional scrutiny. The allegations have created frustration among several participants.
Questions have also been raised over the role of companies such as Lianex, Mohit Minerals and Loshe Shipping. Critics claim these firms may not have sufficient experience, technical capacity or logistical capability to meet the tender requirements.
Singapore based Lianex, in particular, has alleged that officials are trying to find faults in its proposal despite the company submitting the required technical documents.
The verification of coal sources has emerged as another major concern.
Industry stakeholders have called for independent verification of the mine memorandums of understanding submitted by bidders. They said BIFPCL should verify the information directly with mine owners or their authorised representatives.
For coal proposed to be sourced from Indonesia, the authorities should independently verify the ownership of the mines, production capacity, coal quality and ability to maintain regular supplies through official communication with the relevant mine authorities.
A failure by an unsuitable supplier could create serious risks for national power generation. If a supplier fails to deliver coal on time or does not meet the required quality standards, the Rampal plant could face prolonged production disruptions.
Such a situation could affect the country’s electricity supply and put additional pressure on the energy sector and public finances.
Some bidders have also accused SM Zahid Hasan of abusing his position to influence the tender process. They alleged that certain qualified competitors were being pushed out of the competition to benefit an undisclosed party.
If proven, such practices would raise serious concerns about transparency, fair competition and the integrity of the international tendering process.
There are also allegations of political influence behind the tender decisions. Sources have claimed that Zahid Hasan had close personal and political ties with former state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Anindya Islam Amit.
They alleged that he used those connections to influence tender decisions. Questions have also been raised over his alleged links with the controversial business group S Alam Group.
Separate allegations have also emerged over Zahid Hasan’s personal assets. Local sources claimed that a luxury house has been built near a river in his home district of Naogaon.
However, the ownership records and details of the property have not been independently verified.
The allegations surrounding the 8 million tonne coal tender have increased calls for greater transparency. Stakeholders have demanded that the authorities make the evaluation process clear and explain how each bidder’s technical, financial and logistical capacity was assessed.
They also called for independent verification of the documents submitted by all bidders, particularly those related to coal sources and supply capacity.
If the allegations are found to be true, stakeholders have called for the current tender to be cancelled and a fresh, transparent and competitive tender process to be launched.
The Rampal coal tender is more than a commercial transaction. It is directly linked to the country’s electricity supply and energy security.
Experts and industry stakeholders say the government should therefore base its final decision on verified documents, proven experience, technical capacity and full transparency rather than personal or political influence.
