ACC completes preliminary probe into alleged Padma graft
Dhaka, Sept 3 (UNB) – Anti-Corruption Commission completed its preliminary probe into the allegations of corruption in the Padma Bridge project with the grilling of former Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain onTuesday, ACC Commissioner M Badiuzzaman said.
Over the weeks, the ACC has quizzed several people after the World Bank cancelled its $1.2-billion loan for the project alleging graft conspiracy in selecting its main contractor, Canada-based SNC Lavalin.
The Bank’s withdrawal has plunged the $2.9-billion project, the country’s largest infrastructure initiative, into trouble.
Abul Hosain was the last among those quizzed by the ACC.
He was in charge of the communications ministry when the World Bank raised its allegations with the Bangladesh government. He was since then removed from the ministry. Under reported pressure from the Bank he also resigned from the ICT ministry where he was transferred.
“The ACC investigation officials will now prepare a report based on the findings and will submit it to the commission as soon as possible,” Badiuzzaman told a press briefing at his office.
He said after reviewing the inquiry report, the commission will take further steps over the graft allegation.
Replying to a query he said ACC has yet to decide whether to question Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman, whose removal has reportedly been sought by the World Bank.
About the World Bank’s proposal to form an ‘international panel of experts’ to investigate the graft allegations Badiuzzaman said ACC did not yet get the name of experts.
Replying to another question, he said the ACC has already sent a letter to the Canadian government seeking information about graft allegation, but got no response.
Over the weeks, the ACC has quizzed several people after the World Bank cancelled its $1.2-billion loan for the project alleging graft conspiracy in selecting its main contractor, Canada-based SNC Lavalin.
The Bank’s withdrawal has plunged the $2.9-billion project, the country’s largest infrastructure initiative, into trouble.
Abul Hosain was the last among those quizzed by the ACC.
He was in charge of the communications ministry when the World Bank raised its allegations with the Bangladesh government. He was since then removed from the ministry. Under reported pressure from the Bank he also resigned from the ICT ministry where he was transferred.
“The ACC investigation officials will now prepare a report based on the findings and will submit it to the commission as soon as possible,” Badiuzzaman told a press briefing at his office.
He said after reviewing the inquiry report, the commission will take further steps over the graft allegation.
Replying to a query he said ACC has yet to decide whether to question Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman, whose removal has reportedly been sought by the World Bank.
About the World Bank’s proposal to form an ‘international panel of experts’ to investigate the graft allegations Badiuzzaman said ACC did not yet get the name of experts.
Replying to another question, he said the ACC has already sent a letter to the Canadian government seeking information about graft allegation, but got no response.
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