ACC summons ex-secretary over swindling expat
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned a former secretary of the LGRD ministry for quizzing in connection with swindling an expatriate, a third attempt at investigation by the anti-graft body that did not bring fruit twice before, according to sources.
While he was secretary of the ministry of local government, rural development and cooperatives, Dr Proshanto Kumar Roy allegedly introduced himself as managing director of two ready-made garment companies, and took Tk 25 lakh from one Enamul Haque, an expat businessman, for investment in 2012.
Subsequently, Enamul learnt that it is illegal to carry out both government service and business at the same time, and asked the secretary to return the money. He also served a legal notice on Proshanto, in response to which the former secretary served another legal notice on the businessman, seeking Tk 5 crore for defamation.
ACC began an inquiry into the matter in 2016. At least two top-level ACC officials, inquired into the matter, which did not see any light, a source added.
ACC has now tasked deputy director Jahangir Alam with the investigation. On Sunday, Jahangir issued a letter to Proshanto for quizzing over the matter, a copy of which was obtained by The Daily Star.
The letter reads: “There are allegations of amassing wealth beyond known source of income and taking money from an Australian expatriate introducing yourself as managing directors of Denim Polymer Industries Ltd and Denim Export Processing Ltd, despite being a government official. For the sake of proper inquiry, it is necessary to record your statement over the allegation. Against the backdrop, you are requested to appear before ACC at about 10am today.”
“If you fail to appear at the time to give your testimony, it will be assumed that you do not have any statement,” reads the letter.
Proshanto received the letter the same day of issuance.
“The allegations against me are completely baseless,” said Proshanto, when contacted.
“I have over 100 bighas of land. Each bigha will cost at least Tk one crore. Had I taken Tk 25 lakh, wouldn’t I have repaid it?” he said.
About the business venture, he said he did not run a business at that time, rather he worked as a “mediator” between Enamul and Neamul Bashir, owner of Denim Polymer Industries Ltd and Denim Export Processing Ltd.
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