9 engineers under ACC lens

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned nine executive engineers of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) as part of an investigation into allegations of tender manipulation and other irregularities involving former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque.

The summons were issued through a letter sent to the BMDA Executive Director on August 3, identifying the officials as persons “concerned with the allegation”.

The engineers asked to appear before the ACC are Nazmul Huda, Enamul Qadir, Tofazzal Ali Sarkar, ATM Rafiqul Islam, Rezaul Islam, Rezaul Karim, Moniruzzaman, Rubina Khatun and Sanjida Khanam Molly.

The inquiry is being conducted by Abdul Malek, Assistant Director at the ACC headquarters, who is serving as the investigating officer in the case.

According to the allegations, former minister Dr Abdur Razzaque and his relatives embezzled government funds through various irregularities in BMDA projects, including tender manipulation, extortion and other forms of corruption.

The ACC has asked Nazmul Huda, Enamul Qadir, Tofazzal Ali Sarkar and ATM Rafiqul Islam to appear on August 12, while the remaining five engineers have been summoned for August 13.

According to BMDA sources, the officials maintained close contact with Dr Abdur Razzaque and his personal assistant. The sources alleged that contractors were awarded work in various BMDA projects through them and that commissions were collected in the process.

Executive Engineer Enamul Qadir confirmed receiving the ACC notice.
“We have received the letter from the ACC. We have been called to find out whether we had any involvement with the former Agriculture Minister or not,” he said.

The ACC is investigating allegations of corruption, tender manipulation and financial irregularities in BMDA projects involving former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque and his relatives.

The latest summons form part of the commission’s ongoing inquiry into the allegations.