Dhaka, Aug. 25 -- A Chinese energy company has lodged complaints with the chief adviser's office (CAO), alleging manipulation and mismanagement in the coal procurement process for the 1,320-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Patuakhali.

In a letter dated August 21, Yongtai Energy Pte Ltd claimed that vested interests attempted to manipulate the coal sourcing procedure of the plant, operated by RPCL-Norinco International Power Limited (RNPL).

The company alleged "unlawful negotiations" occurred during the process of selecting a competent coal supplier for the large-scale power project. Yongtai Energy has requested an independent investigation by a legally empowered committee to examine manipulation, procedural breaches, and unlawful...