Health secy says sorry to JS body for his absence in meeting

The health ministry secretary yesterday apologised to the Public Accounts Committee (Pac) of the Jatiya Sangsad for his absence at the committee's previous meeting that discussed irregularities in the health sector.

"I was engaged in another meeting. So I could not attend the meet and I seek pardon for that," Secretary AFM Sarwar Kamal told a Pac meeting at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, sources said.

The secretary was slated by Awami League legislator and committee member ASHK Sadeque, who said Sarwar should have sent a notice.

The parliamentary body asked Sarwar to avoid a repeat of the incident.

The Pac also formed a sub-committee to probe the alleged irregularities in consumption of oil for river dredging by the Water Development Board. The two-member sub-committee will submit its report soon.

The audit objections of Dhaka Electricity Supply Authority (Desa) were also raised at the meeting. The committee has decided to discuss the issue in detail at its next meeting.