The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday said it will launch an investigation into allegations of irregularities, corruption and embezzlement linked to the construction project of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain said this while briefing reporters outside the ACC headquarters in the capital, stating that project director AKM Maksudul Islam along with others, is accused of severe misconduct.

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The allegations include abuse of power, fraudulent activities, and extensive corruption.

Among the most alarming charges is the escalation of the project’s estimated cost from Tk 7,000 crore to Tk 22,000 crore.

Reports also suggest that Tk 900 crore was embezzled through design alterations during the soil testing phase.

Further accusations include selling three key segments of the project to other contractors through commission trading, using low-quality parts and equipment from China and Korea instead of the European-grade materials specified in the tender and widespread irregularities in the sealing work.

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The ACC also disclosed that Tk 400 crore was allegedly embezzled through syndication, while Tk 12 crore was wasted on unnecessary expenses aimed at appeasing the former Prime Minister.

The under-construction terminal was inaugurated by the ousted ex-Prime Minister on October 23, 2023, with plans for it to become operational by October 2024.

Akhtar Hossain assured that the ACC is committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.