ACC to arrest 4 sued in Padma graft

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday ordered its enquiry team to arrest four Bangladeshi nationals who were sued along with three others for their alleged roles in graft conspiracy in Padma bridge project.

The four Bangladeshis are: former secretary of the Bridges Division Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Superintendent Engineer of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Kazi Mohammad Ferdous, Executive Engineer of Roads and Highway Department Reaz Ahmed Zaber, Deputy Managing Director of Engineering and Planning Consultant, a local agent Canadian firm SNC Lavalin, Mohammad Mostofa, ACC Commissioner Mohammad Shahabuddin told journalists at a press briefing at the commission in the capital.

Three other accused in the case filed with Banani Police Station are SNC Lavalin officials Mohammad Ismail, Ramesh Shah and Kevin Wales.

On December 17, the ACC filed the case with Banani Police Station.

The anti-graft body did not include in the case former communications minister Syed Abul Hossain and former state minister for foreign affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury.

Alleged involvement of the two in the graft would be examined during investigation of the case.

On December 18, the graft watchdog formed a 4-member committee to investigate into the case filed against the seven people.

The team was asked to submit its report as soon as possible.

The WB cancelled its $1.2 billion funding on June 29 this year, saying it had proof of a “corruption conspiracy” involving Bangladeshi officials, executives of a Canadian firm and some individuals.

The global lender on September 21 decided to revive the loan after the Bangladesh government agreed to the WB’s terms and conditions.

Source:The Daily Star