ACC to file case against Sheikh Hasina over embezzlement of Tk 309 crore

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to file a case against Sheikh Hasina and 16 others over the embezzlement of Tk 309 crore 42 lakh 45 thousand 890 from toll collection at the Meghna-Gomti Bridge under lease. They are also accused of causing financial losses to the state by awarding toll collection rights to Computer Network Systems (CNS) Limited.

Among others to be named as accused in the case are former Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, former Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, former Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Engineer Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, former Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, former State Minister for Finance and Planning M A Mannan, former Secretary of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry M A N Siddique, former Additional Secretary Md Faruq Jalil, former Deputy Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Karim, former Chief Engineers of the Roads and Highways Department Md Firoz Iqbal and Ibne Alam Hasan, former Additional Chief Engineers Md Aftab Hossain Khan and Md Abdus Salam, and CNS Limited Managing Director Munir Uz Zaman Chowdhury, Directors Selina Chowdhury and Ikram Iqbal.

At a press conference on Sunday, October 12, ACC Assistant Director Tanzir Ahmed said the commission approved the case in its regular meeting on Saturday, October 11, based on the findings of the investigation team. The commission’s headquarters also instructed the integrated district office to file the case.

According to the charges under sections 409/420/109 of the Penal Code and section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, the accused awarded CNS Limited a five-year toll collection contract for the Meghna-Gomti Bridge in 2016 at a service charge of 17.75 percent (excluding VAT and IT). In doing so, they, through collusion, misused their official authority, failed to perform entrusted duties properly, and embezzled a total of Tk 309 crore 42 lakh 45 thousand 890 for personal or others’ benefit.

ACC Assistant Director Tanzir Ahmed further said that if anyone else is found involved during investigation, they will also be included as accused in the case.