DSCC addl chief engr faces probe

The Local Government Division has ordered an investigation into multiple allegations of corruption and irregularities against Kazi Mohammad Borhan Uddin, Additional Chief Engineer of Dhaka South City Corporation.

The directive was issued through an office order from the City Corporation-1 Branch of the Local Government Division on Sunday.

According to the order, Borhan faces allegations of corruption, irregularities, abuse of power, commission trading, embezzlement of government funds, illegal promotion, obtaining Grade-3 benefits through irregular means and acquiring illegal assets.

The Local Government Division has instructed that the allegations be investigated on the ground. The investigation will also examine allegations related to irregular Grade-3 benefits and illegal wealth acquisition.

The DSCC Engineering Department is responsible for major development works in the capital, including road construction and repair, drainage and other infrastructure projects. As the allegations involve a senior official of the department, the Local Government Division is treating the matter seriously.

The office order was signed by Md Robiul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.

Mu. Moniruzzaman, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Division, has been assigned to investigate the allegations and submit a report to the secretary of the division within 15 working days.

Relevant documents have been attached to the letter, although the order does not provide detailed descriptions of the allegations. The investigating officer will verify the allegations based on the attached documents and field-level findings.

A copy of the order has been sent to the Chief Executive Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation with a request to provide overall cooperation during the investigation.

Copies have also been sent to the Joint Secretary of the Urban Development Wing of the Local Government Division, the private secretaries to the minister, state minister and secretary of the division, and the private secretary to the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Sources at the ministry said administrative action may be taken if the allegations are found to be true. However, the office order itself does not mention any final decision against the official concerned.

The order states that further necessary action will be taken after receiving the investigation report.