ACC quizzes ex-DGHS DG over N95 mask-PPE scam

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has interrogated the former director general (DG) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) professor Dr Abul Kalam Azad over the N95 mask and PPE scam.

A team led by ACC Director Mir Mohammad Zainul Abedin Shebly questioned him at the ACC headquarters from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday.

ACC secretary Dilawar Bakht told the media that investigators of the anti-graft body interrogated him as part of the enquiry.

Meanwhile, coming out from the ACC interrogation cell, Abul Kalam Azad claimed to the media that he was not involved in any type of corruption. 

"I didn't commit any corruption during my tenure. I worked with honesty, efficiency and all my ability. I was working under the risk of death during the coronavirus situation. Though I was tested Covid-19 positive, I returned to work as soon as I recovered. I have always worked in the interest of the country," he said.

He added, "Recently, when the activities were against me from different corners, I set an example by resigning for the interest of the country. I also want the irregularities to be handled with due legal process."

Dr Abul Kalam Azad will be interrogated again on Thursday as a part of the enquiry on the Regent scam.  

The ACC formed two separate enquiry teams as a series of allegations against the health ministry, DGHS and CMSD officials were exposed.

The anti-graft body has already collected several documents related to the corruption charges. Besides, they have also quizzed dozens of people including 6 CMSD officials and a few suppliers. 

But the most criticised supplier of the health sector, Motazzerul Islam Mithu, did not face the ACC enquiry though he was summoned.

Earlier, Dr Abul Kalam Azad resigned on July 21 after facing a torrent of criticism from all corners.

Three other health officials quizzed

Another ACC team, led by its Director Sheikh Mohammad Fanafillah, has interrogated three health officials over the Regent Hospital scam. 

Among them, two are former DGHS officials – Dr Aminul Hasan, former director of the hospital and clinic department, and Dr Mohammad Yunus Ali, deputy director of the same department. 

Also, Didarul Alam, a research officer at the health directorate, was interrogated along with them. But, Shafiur Rahman, former assistant director, was not present though he was summoned.