ACC interrogates contractor CEO in Parliament sound system graft probe

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday (April 16) interrogated Jahidur Rahim Zowarder, chief executive officer of Communication Technology Limited, in connection with an ongoing inquiry into alleged irregularities and corruption in the installation of the National Parliament sound system.

The interrogation was conducted for over two hours at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha by Assistant Director Prabir Das.

According to ACC sources, the inquiry—initiated in January—pertains to alleged irregularities in the procurement, installation, and subsequent renovation of the sound system installed at the Jatiya Sangsad complex in 2018, as well as alleged financial irregularities during later maintenance and commissioning work.

During interrogation, the accused CEO reportedly submitted his explanation, stating that the initial work was carried out by Amanat Enterprise, and that his firm was later engaged for final commissioning due to alleged technical shortcomings of the previous contractor.

He further stated that technical disruptions observed in parliamentary proceedings were caused by loose wiring during what he described as a “mass uprising period,” when desk banging allegedly affected the system.

ACC officials said the allegations under examination include abuse of power, misappropriation of funds, procurement irregularities, and potential money laundering involving substantial sums.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further legal steps will be taken based on findings, the commission said.