Committee formed to probe graft allegations

A parliamentary body yesterday formed a three-member committee to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities of former additional chief engineer of Roads and Highways Department Tushar Kanti Saha.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Bridges Ministry formed the probe body at its meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Jatiya Party MP and chief of the House watchdog Rowshan Ara Mannan in the chair.

Ruling Awami League MP Abu Jahir was made convener while AL MPs -- Enamul Haque and Md Salim Uddin Tarafdar -- were made members of the probe committee.

The committee was asked to submit its probe report before the JS committee at its next meeting. Usually, a parliamentary watchdog is supposed to hold at least one meeting within a month.

ABM Amin Ullah Nuri, secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division, informed the parliamentary standing committee that earlier two investigation committee of the ministry didn't find any irregularities or corruption against Tushar Kanti.

"But through Special Branch, the ministry recently revealed serious corruption and irregularities against him," a lawmaker quoted the secretary as saying.

The secretary also informed the parliamentary committee that Tushar during his job illegally visited India 21 times.

He also had two passports, the secretary said. "When the ministry wanted to know about this from him, Tushar Kanti sought apology," he added.

The parliamentary standing committee later formed the probe body to investigate the whole incident.