ACC opens port probe Tuesday

The two-member committee formed by the Anti-Corruption Commission will start its probe on Tuesday into allegation of corruption in awarding container handling job at Chittagong port during the tenure of the last caretaker government.
The committee constituted on September 17 will also investigate the issue of raising retirement age for shipping pilots during the period.
The probe body has requisitioned a room at the port as its temporary office and asked the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to ensure attendance of the officials concerned for questioning.
The committee will quiz former shipping adviser Maj Gen (retd) MA Matin, CPA Chairman RU Ahmed and officials of traffic, finance and engineering departments.
ACC Deputy Director and committee Chief Fanafillah said they would grill all port officials concerned with the investigation.
He said they planned to stay at the port for three days but it might be extended, if needed.
“Primarily, we shall work based on the findings of parliamentary sub-committee,” said ACC Assistant Director and committee member Zahid Hossain.
CPA Chairman RU Ahmed told The Daily Star, “I have instructed the officials concerned to be available at their offices during the committee members' stay at the port.”
The ACC formed the committee following directives from the parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry.
A parliamentary sub-committee had earlier found evidence of corruption in the matters in an enquiry and asked the ministry to take necessary action.
The committee will get 15 days to complete investigation but it can extend the deadline for another 15 days if necessary.