The government has moved to re-tender the coal procurement for the Patuakhali 1,320-megawatt thermal power plant for the fifth time after four earlier attempts failed, aiming to secure steady fuel and bring the new plant into full operation. The plant, developed by a fifty-fifty joint venture between a local state company and a foreign partner, completed trial generation but cannot begin full commercial work without a reliable coal supply, so officials say fresh bidding with clearer, fairer rules should widen competition and reduce delays. Leaders plan to change tender specifications so no single supplier gains an unfair edge, and they hope that having more than one qualified bidder will cut the risks that stalled earlier rounds. Past attempts saw a single company qualify in some rounds and talks break down during financial negotiations, and experts warn that repeated tender failures add costs for the operator and for the country by delaying power output that households and businesses need. The plant was built with large foreign loans and modern equipment, and officials say steady coal deliveries are essential for the project to justify that investment and start creating promised jobs and local supplier work. Choosing competitive suppliers should help secure long contracts for imported coal, which the plant plans to buy from overseas sources, and steady imports will reduce the need to rely on neighbouring markets for emergency fuel. Observers point out that transparent procurement and clear rules for payment, delivery and quality will build buyer confidence and cut the chance of legal or regulatory reviews that can hold up work even longer. Energy analysts add that splitting contracts or setting terms that allow multiple suppliers can protect the plant from supply shocks and lower the chance of a single bidder stalling the whole process. Officials also say careful oversight and audits will guard public money and make sure that contracts match technical needs and fair prices, and they stress that a well-run procurement helps the joint venture, local workers and nearby businesses earn steady income. The hope is that a successful retender will unlock full operations, let the plant buy the millions of tonnes of coal it needs each year, support steady power for industries and homes, and create predictable demand that builds supplier chains for equipment, transport and storage services. With clearer tender rules, broader competition and firm delivery plans, the project can move from a long pause into regular generation, turning a large infrastructure asset into local jobs, reliable electricity and stronger links with ports, logistics firms and nearby towns that will benefit as the plant begins steady work. Stakeholders say timely action and honest bidding will be key to deliver these benefits and restore public confidence quickly.
