Kaliakoir Municipality ACC detects Tk13cr tender scam

Staff Reporter :

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered a massive Tk13.92 crore tender scam at Kaliakoir Municipality in Gazipur, where a contractor allegedly obtained multiple work orders for development projects using fake and forged documents.

According to ACC officials, former Kaliakoir Municipality mayor and BNP leader Mazibur Rahman approved the questionable work orders without proper verification.
Acting on the allegations, a team from the district ACC office carried out a raid at the municipality office on Thursday (6 November).

During the operation, investigators scrutinised project files, seised tender-related documents, and conducted on-site inspections.

ACC Assistant Director Enamul Haque said the preliminary probe has already confirmed evidence of irregularities. “During questioning, no municipal official could produce proof that the tender documents were verified before approval,” he said, adding, “They have been given two days to submit the required documents; otherwise, legal action will be taken.”

Municipal sources said the tenders were floated in April 2024 under the fourth package of the Improving Urban Governance & Infrastructure Programme (IUGP), covering road and drainage works in areas such as Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park, Ansar Academy (Gate No. 3), Pasha Gate, Apex Weaving, and Kohinur Saw Mill.

The total project value was estimated at over Tk13.92 crore. However, despite standard procurement rules, the contract was awarded directly to Brown Field Engineering Ltd without proper verification.
Following the rejection of the second-lowest bidder, a formal complaint was filed with the ACC’s Dhaka office, triggering the investigation.
ACC Gazipur Deputy Director Nazmul Hossain confirmed the development, stating, “We received allegations that forged documents were used to secure tender approval. Our team collected records, interviewed officials, and is now conducting a detailed investigation.”
Kaliakair Municipality Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kawsar Ahmed also confirmed the ACC’s inspection, saying, “The ACC team reviewed several tender files following a complaint. We provided them with all requested information and documents.”
Local sources allege that former mayor Mazibur Rahman — who reportedly maintains close ties with former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque — has long wielded influence over tenders, land allocation, and recruitment in the area.
Rahman, who served as mayor for three consecutive terms under the Awami League government, is said to be seeking a party nomination for the upcoming national elections.
Earlier this year, on 5 January, the ACC summoned Mazibur Rahman over allegations of illegally accumulating wealth under the names of his family members and associates. However, no further action was taken at that time. Repeated attempts by reporters to contact the former mayor for comments remained unsuccessful.