ACC questions MK Anwar over Bhairab bridge 'graft'

Former agriculture minister MK Anwar said yesterday nothing was done beyond the laws and rules of business in approving the construction of Bhairab Bridge.
Talking to journalists about his statement to an Anti-Corruption Commission probe team, Anwar said proper procedure was followed, and no public money was misappropriated in the construction of the bridge.
ACC Deputy Director Harunur Rashid, assisted by two other officials, questioned the former minister for two hours in connection with an enquiry against former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Anwar was a member of the cabinet committee on purchase during the tenure of BNP-led Khaleda government that approved construction of the bridge, allegedly causing a loss of Tk 100 crore to the state exchequer.
The purchase committee gave its approval after the cabinet division okayed the project, Anwar said.
The ACC team did not show even a single document supporting that anything was done in violation of law, he mentioned.
The former minister also told journalists that the questioning of BNP ministers in connection with the graft allegation is just a continuation of the past caretaker government's move to harass political leaders.
“I think people will lose faith in the commission if it goes on with such activities. During the caretaker government's tenure, it earned distrust of people for the same reason,” he said.
“If the commission continues to work this way, it will not only become clawless and toothless but also lifeless. The government is trying to make the commission subservient to it.”
Meanwhile, the ACC has already questioned former communications minister Nazmul Huda and LGRD minister Mannan Bhuiyan in this connection. Eight former ministers have been served with notice for questioning.