corruption
Corruption in land purchase eats away Tk 390 crore in 3 power projects, says TIB
In a research study Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has allegedly found substantive corruption involving three power plants—two coal fired and one LNG-based—in the country.
According to the TIB study presented on Wednesday, the corruption involved at least Tk 390.49 crore which was allegedly grabbed by government officials, local representatives and influential political circles.
Moreover, power tariffs were set at higher rates compared with similar projects which also involved corruption, it said.
Also read: Amnesty, RSF, TIB lost credibility in Bangladesh, says Info Minister
The power plants are: Powerchina consortium’s Barishal 350 MW Coal-based power plant, S Alam Group’s Banshkhali 1320 MW SS Power plant and the state-owned Coal Power Generation Company’s Matarbari 600 MW LNG-based power plant.
“We’ve maintained recognized international standards and practices in conducting our research to find out the corruption... We have necessary substantive documents in our hands to prove the allegations”, said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the TIB, while briefing reporters virtually during the presentation of the report.
Mahfuzul Haque and Newazul Maula of TIB presented the report titled: “Coal and LNG-based Power Projects in Bangladesh: Governance Challenges and Way Out.
Iftekharuzzaman said if any individual or civil society representative can move the court on the basis of the allegations his organization will cooperate.
“TIB will cooperate with such an initiative as per its policy and standard”, he said, adding that the corruption watchdog body will share the study with the government and other agencies.
The TIB said that the land of the projects was purchased by the sponsors of the projects at huge inflated prices to show the higher cost to take financial benefits. Corruption took place in land acquisition as well, it said.
The watchdog body found that the existing laws and regulations were not properly followed in purchasing lands and also signing the power purchase contracts with the government.
It alleged that the Power and Energy Speedy Supply (Special) Act was used to award the contracts of these power plants to certain companies in order to avert the competitive bidding process despite there being many efficient companies for the projects.
They said the Special Act was extended up to 2026 despite the fact that this law has no necessity to exist at this point of time.
The TIB also found that some scopes were deliberately kept in the power purchase agreements (PPA) signed with the government to further increase the power tariffs of the plants.
Regarding the environmental issues, the TIB said that the department of environment has miserably failed to enforce environmental obligations in implementation of the plants.
It said that the government is not moving towards renewable energy options to generate electricity despite its commitment to increase the green energy’s share to 40 per cent in electricity generation.
Also read: TIB condemns suspension of TTE, says Railways Minister should resign
It observed that despite cancellation of the 12 coal-based power plants, s the share of coal-based power plants is still one-fourth of the total generation.
It said there is a lack of commitments on the part of the government to go for renewable energy though its production cost fell by 89 per cent.
The government targeted to generate 10 per cent electricity from renewable sources by 2020. But only 2.3 per cent of power now comes from renewable sources, it added.
The TIB placed 7-point recommendations for the government which include framing an integrated energy and power master plan keeping the focus on renewable energy, cancellation of Power and Energy Speedy Supply (Special) Act 2010 and not allowing any fossils-fuel based projects after 2022, ensuring transparency, accountability in approving and awarding power projects, suspending all coal projects considering environmental risks and taking legal action against the persons involved in the corruption in power projects.
Amnesty, RSF, TIB lost credibility in Bangladesh, says Info Minister
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday came down heavily on the organisations like Amnesty International, RSF and TIB for what he said their biased reporting on human rights, press freedom and corruption in Bangladesh.
“These organisations have lost their credibility because of their partiality against Bangladesh,” Hasan told the members of Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB) in reply to a question.
He said that the Bangladesh branch of Transparency International (TI) issues statements like a political party instead of any research on an issue.
Also read:Hasan trashes RSF report on press freedom as malicious & unacceptable
In support of his criticism the minister cited a couple of recent examples such as TIB’s statement against the railway minister on the ticketless travel by three of his relatives and allegation of corruption in the treatment of Covid-19 patients in Bangladesh.
Hasan said TIB’s allegation of plundering about Tk 23,000 crore on Covid vaccines was baseless and a misreporting of what the health minister said.
Turning to the Amnesty International (AI) the minister said it was silent when BNP launched the petrol bomb campaign against the government in the name of agitation. It, however, was vocal against the trial of the war criminals in Bangladesh.
“This is how Amnesty International has lost its credibility here,” he observed.
The minister once again rejected the latest press freedom index published by Paris-based RSF (Reporters Without Border) in which Bangladesh slipped 10 notches to 162 among the 180 countries of the world where the survey was done.
How one can trust an organization which places Bangladesh behind even Afghanistan, not at all known for press freedom and security of journalists, he asked.
Responding to another question Hasan said Bangladesh Press Council and Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) have been asked to prepare a data base of journalists in the country.
This, he said, is aimed at identifying the genuine journalists so they get security in carrying out their work and keeping the job.
When done the proposed data base will also leave out those who are not journalists at all.
Hasan reiterated that the Digital Security Act (DSA) has been made for the overall security of the people from digital harassment and assaults on their dignity and privacy.
“This is absolutely not against journalists,” he reaffirmed though admitting abuses in some cases.
He said there have been some abuses of the law against journalists and the government acted to stop it.
Also read: Info minister considers legal action against TIB for lies
No case under the DSA can be filed now without permission from the police and no journalist can either be arrested in sweeping action, he said. “The interests of journalists are being protected,” he said.
In his opening remarks Hasan highlighted the achievements of his ministry in safeguarding the interests of journalists and creation of an environment congenial to their work.
He especially referred to the formation of Sangbadik Kallyan Trust by the order of the prime minister and distribution of about Tk 23 crore among media people since its start in 2014.
Joy blasts BNP-Jamaat rule for corruption
Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has shared the video "Everything under the heel of Hawa Bhaban through syndicate" to depict BNP-Jamaat's "corruption from 2001 to 2006."
During the rule of BNP-Jamaat between 2001 and 2006, all construction projects, such as roads, bridges, culverts, and government buildings, doomed by bribery and corruption, remained incomplete and defective, Joy wrote from his verified Facebook account.
Also read: Joy depicts graft in power sector during BNP's last tenure
"Through this video, I tried to demonstrate how Hawa Bhaban used to distribute all government projects through syndicates and how the close associates of Tarique (Rahman) turned tycoons overnight through corruption," he mentioned.
Joy also wrote: "You will hear straight from the horse's mouth. People will testify to that syndicate business of BNP-Jamaat that they fell victim to. I will convey, phase by phase, the facts and figures about the misrule of the BNP-Jamaat ally."
Also read: Joy shares video report on ‘BNP’s money laundering’
Indefinite bus strike in Sylhet from Sunday
Sylhet transport workers will enforce an indefinite strike in the district from Sunday morning demanding the withdrawal of two officials of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority in Sylhet alleging corruption and harassment.
The strike was announced at an emergency meeting on Thursday, said joint secretary of the District Bus-Minibus-Coach-Microbus Workers Union Ali Akbar.
Also read: Sale of beef, mutton suspended in Sylhet
Workers will abstain from their work from 6 am on Sunday as part of the strike.
According to transport workers' leaders, BRTA Sylhet Officer (AD) Sanaul Haque and Record Room employee Delwar issue vehicle documents or driver's licenses in a short period through bribes which cannot be obtained at the specified time in the proper process. They also harass transport workers for bribes.
Also read:Fuel traders stage demonstration for uninterrupted fuel, gas supply in Sylhet
And so, the transport workers demanded the withdrawal of the two BRTA officials in the next 24 hours.
Corruption only reason behind price hike: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday alleged that corruption by ministers and Awami League leaders is the only reason behind the rise in prices of key commodities.
“Awami League leaders and ministers are amassing wealth by indulging in corruption...the price of soybean oil is soaring as most businessmen engaged in oil business belong to the Awami League,” he said.
Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said the LPG prices have also been raised as one of Prime Minister’s advisers is involved with a company that imports the LPG.
He said fuel prices have been hiked and that of medicines are also on the rise. More worrying is that the health sector is on the verge of collapse due to widespread corruption, Fakhrul added.
“There has been no trial of those who've pocketed money in the name of land acquisition for a university in the Education Minister’s constituency in Chandpur. Now corruption by the government is everywhere along with its incompetence.”
Also read: AL turned Bangladesh into 'hell': BNP
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club protesting the "unbridled" price hike of essential commodities.
Fakhrul said ordinary people have been going through miserable sufferings due to the continuous rise in rice, pulse, oil and other commodity prices, and the tariffs of electricity, gas and water.
He alleged that the government has been conspiring to establish a monarchy in the country by snatching people’s rights.
The BNP leader said people liberated the country in 1971 through a Liberation War for establishing a democratic system and a free society.
“We've to unite all again like in 1971 to establish that free society. If necessary, we've to wage another struggle to free the country and its people (from the grasp of current govt),“ he said.
Also read: Unity of all is a must for prosperity: BNP
Fakhrul also said a fierce movement must be launched to restore people’s voting and all other rights and their ownership of the country.
He said people want to get back their franchise and elect their representatives through exercising it.
The BNP leader called upon all to get united to ensure the fall of the Awami League government and force it to hold the next parliamentary election under a non-party neutral administration.
Corruption being patronized from top level of govt: BNP
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that corruption is being patronised from the highest level of the government.
“A grand festival of corruption is now going on in the country. This plundering and corruption are being sponsored from the highest level of the state,” he said.
Read: Next EC not to make any difference, says BNP
The BNP leader made the allegation at a press conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office following a leaked telephonic conversation between Law Minister Anisul Huq and Prime Minister’s Adviser Salman F Rahman on government projects.
He alleged no one, from the ministers to MPs and PM’s advisers, and the ruling party's mayors and chairmen, who are not using the scope of corruption.
“The entire administration, including some senior members of the state forces, has been implicated in this cycle of corruption,” Fakhrul observed.
He also voiced deep worry that the allegations of getting involved in corruption by the judiciary, the guardians of the constitution, are now being raised.
The BNP leader said the ruling party leaders have become very reckless and desperate due to their involvement in corruption.
He also said the Awami League leaders’ misdeeds have now reached such a stage that they now cannot hide or suppress those despite frantic efforts as those are getting exposed before people in one way or another.
“Their misdeeds are now floating in the virtual world, and the ugly picture of their misdeeds is being leaked. The masks of the great corruptors are falling off,” Fakhrul observed.
About the recent leaked conversation between the law minister and Salman F Rahman, he said it has clearly exposed a true picture of the corruption of the government. “This is now a proven fact to the nation.”
Though the country’s people, including BNP, demanded a fair investigation into the incident, Fakhrul said no such visible action has so far been taken by the government in this regard.
On behalf of BNP, he again demanded a fair investigation into the matter alongside launching a trial process without any delay.
Read: AL destroyed Language Movement spirit: BNP
"As a responsible political party, BNP and the country’s people can’t accept this. BNP is demanding that the recognised crime of involving the judiciary with corruption be considered separately,” Fakhrul said.
He also demanded the resignation of the law minister and the Prime Minister’s adviser and all others who are involved with the matter for ensuring transparency in the investigation process.
“We also want those involved in the incident to be brought to justice immediately through an investigation,” the BNP leader said.
Fakhrul also highlighted various media reports on the corruption by the relatives of the education minister in the land acquisition for a university in Chandpur, and the involvement of some other ministers and the Vice-Chancellors of various universities in corruption.
Bangladesh is 13th most corrupt country
Bangladesh has been ranked 13 among the world's most corrupt countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International on Tuesday.
Bangladesh secured 26 points on a scale of 1-100 for the fourth year in a row, according to CPI 2021. And Bangladesh has been ranked number two among South Asian nations -- after Afghanistan -- in the index.
Bangladesh currently occupies the 147th position among the 180 countries ranked from the top, according to the index released by Transparency International at a webinar.
Read: ACC files corruption case against Jibon Bima officials
With a score of 88 out of 100, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand topped the global CP, doing best in curbing corruption.
South Sudan is the world's most corrupt country, as per the index.
The CPI is an index published annually by Berlin-based Transparency International since 1995 which ranks countries "by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys".
The CPI generally defines corruption as "the misuse of public power for private benefit".
ACC files corruption case against Jibon Bima officials
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday filed a graft case against Managing Director of Jibon Bima Corporation Zahurul Haque and its Assistant General Manager Mahbubul Alam.
Assistant director Mohammad Nure Alam Siddiqui filed the case at Dhaka co-ordinated office-1, Deputy Director of ACC Public relation office Muhammad Arif Sadeq told UNB.
ACC Secretary Mohammad Mahbub Hossain said that the Commission found evidence of corruption about the question papers in the recruitment test of the corporation and investigation team would further look into the matter.
The ACC will also investigate irregularities and corruption in other recruitment examinations, he said.
Read: Evaly scam case: Actor Tahsan gets anticipatory bail
Assistant Director of ACC co-ordinated Office, Dhaka-1 Mohammad Neyamul Ahsan Gazi on September 15 launched a probe against Zahurul.
During the operation, the ACC team visited the office and collected several records including questions and answer sheets of recruitment tests.
In this context, the statements of the concerned officials including the MD and Director (Administration) had been recorded.
Read: Shilpakala DG grilled by ACC on allegations of embezzlement
ACC received complaints that he had made more than Tk 400 million through corrupt practices.
The organisation took exams to appoint 512 employees in different posts recently.
Speakers emphasise zero tolerance of corruption to encourage entrepreneurs
Speakers in an entrepreneurship conference emphasized a zero tolerance policy against corruption by the public and private sector for sustainable entrepreneurship growth.
They urged developing entrepreneurial ecosystems with traditional marketing to digital marketing through artificial intelligence and use block-chain technology for enhancing ethical practice.
They came up with remarks In the 3rd International conference on ‘Entrepreneurship Development and International Economics under COVId-19 in Bangladesh’ organized by Entrepreneurial Economists club, Dhaka School of Economics.
READ: International entrepreneurship development conference Saturday
The conference held on Saturday both physical and hybrid mode where 32 papers on entrepreneurship development in different sectors in Bangladesh and abroad were presented
Among these papers were agricultural, small industries and service sector and strengthening local government.
Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad was present in the conference as the chief guest. Professor Sheikh Ekramul Kabir, head of admin of DScE, Professor Dr. Sujata Khandai, Amity University Noida, India Dr. Azreen Karim, research fellow, BIDS, Sara Tasneem, Assistant Professor, DScE and Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Editor, The Daily Global Nation and Executive Director of SDO, among others, spoke in the inaugural function.
READ: RMG sector’s prestigious position built upon hard works of workers, entrepreneurs: BGMEA president
Professor Dr. Muhammad Mahboob Ali, Coordinator, Entrepreneurial Economics of DScE chaired the program.
UNO suspended in Sunamganj for corruption
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sunaganj’s Shalla has been suspended on charges of corruption.
The district administration on Thursday issued UNO Md. Al Muktadir Hossain’s suspension order after an investigation regarding corruption in the government construction projects, including Haor dams, rehabilitation houses, Upazila Parishad shops and lease of canals.
READ: Suspended Dewanganj mayor Shahnewaz held with drugs from Dhaka hotel
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jahangir Hossain said that UNO Al Muktadir of Shalla has been suspended. Dirai Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Arup Ratan Singh has been given additional responsibility as the UNO of Shalla. He also said that a three-member inquiry committee investigated the allegations that chairmen brought against the UNO and found his involvement.
READ: Assaulting education officer: Dewanganj municipality mayor suspended
On Monday, the chairmen of four unions of Shalla Upazila lodged a written complaint to Sunamganj DC alleging irregularities in the PIC formation list for Haor saving dam project.