Dhaka, April 20 -- The government has initiated efforts to repatriate funds allegedly siphoned abroad during the previous Awami League regime through controversial "quick rental" power projects.

Power, energy and mineral resources minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said this in parliament on Sunday, underscoring a broader push to restore transparency in the country's energy sector.

He said the finance ministry and Bangladesh Bank are working in coordination to trace and recover illicit financial outflows linked to the projects.

His remarks came during a question-and-answer session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal.

The "quick rental" scheme, introduced under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act, 2010, allowed...