ACC probing Tk 1.32 crore fraud during 2003-05

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an investigation to find facts about withdrawal of Tk 1.32 crore through preparing fake bills in Bogra Health Engineering Department (HED) office during 2003 to 2005.
"Md Kamrul Ahsan, a deputy director of the ACC, was assigned to investigate the matter a few days ago, following instructions from the head office," said Abul Bayes Miah, ACC director of Rajshahi divisional office in Bogra.
The ACC on December 12 sent letters to the authorities concerned including Bogra office of HED to hand over tenders and other documents to Md Kamrul Ahsan for investigation, HED sources said.
The Daily Star on October 11 this year published a report titled 'Fake bills made for unfinished job', referring to a probe report prepared by Anwar Ali, executive engineer of the department.
A few firms withdrew Tk 1.32 crore through preparing fake bills with the connivance of officials including ASM Saidul Alam, former executive engineer of HED in Bogra, against construction works of four health centres in Bogra and Sirajganj districts from 2003 to 2005, said the report submitted on September 29.
Shah Md Hannan, superintending engineer in Bogra HED office, earlier said Saidul Alam signed the fake bills prepared by the contractors who did not complete the assigned work.
Contacted over cell phone a few days ago, Saidul Alam, however, denied the allegation, saying that some HED officials prepared the false probe report to harass him.
According to an estimate prepared by the local HED office following instruction of the chief engineer, Tk 3.48 crore would be needed to complete the remaining works of the incomplete health centres, sources said.
The probe committee also found out that HED Bogra officials spent about 45 lakh taka as maintenance bill against under construction 20-bed hospital at Aliarhat.