The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Road Transport and Bridges minister Obaidul Quader and three others on charges of causing a financial loss of Tk585 crore to the government by recommending three works ignoring the negotiation price.
The other accused in the case are former Bridges secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam, former chief engineer of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Kabir Ahmed, and former director Alim Uddin Ahmed.
ACC Director General Akhter Hossain disclosed the matter to journalists at a press conference on Thursday.
“In collusion with one another and with dishonest intent, they abused their power, engaged in criminal misconduct for self-gain or to benefit others by ignoring the negotiation price fixed by the negotiation committee in the Karnaphuli Tunnel construction project,” said Akhter Hossain.
The ACC DG also noted that they carried out three non-essential works without the recommendation of their appointed foreign experts, thereby causing the government a financial loss of Tk585 crore.
He further mentioned that by violating provisions of the Public Procurement Act and appointing an individual consultant, they caused financial damage to the government, committed criminal breach of trust, illegal conspiracy, and misconduct.
Therefore, the commission has decided to file a case against them under sections 120B/409/109 of the Penal Code and section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
