ACC uncovers Tk13.92 crore tender scam in Kaliakair municipality

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of Tk13.92 crore worth of irregularities at Kaliakair Municipality in Gazipur, where a contractor allegedly secured multiple development work orders using forged documents.

According to ACC officials, former municipality mayor BNP leader Mazibur Rahman approved the work orders without any verification. Acting on these allegations, a team from the district ACC office conducted a raid at the Kaliakair Municipality office yesterday (6 November).

During the operation, investigators examined various project files, seized tender-related documents, and visited the sites for inspection.

ACC Assistant Director Enamul Haque said preliminary investigation confirmed the allegations of irregularities.

"During questioning, no one from the municipality could provide proof that the documents had been verified before approval," he said.

"They have been given two days to submit the necessary documents; otherwise, legal action will follow," he added.

Municipal sources said that in April 2024, tender notices were issued for construction and road development under the fourth package of the Improving Urban Governance & Infrastructure Programme (IUGP) project. The projects included road and drainage work in areas such as Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park, inside the Ansar Academy, near Gate No 3, Pasha Gate, Apex Weaving, Kohinur Saw Mill, as well as road construction. The total estimated cost exceeded Tk13.92 crore.

Despite procedural rules, the contract was awarded without verification to Brown Field Engineering Ltd. When the second-lowest bidder failed to receive the contract, they lodged a complaint with the ACC's Dhaka office, prompting the investigation.

ACC's Gazipur Deputy Director Nazmul Hossain confirmed the operation, saying, "We received a complaint that fake documents were submitted to secure the tender. Our team visited the municipality office, collected records, and questioned officials. Further investigation is underway."

Kaliakair Municipality Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kawsar Ahmed confirmed the ACC raid, saying, "A team from the ACC came to review several tenders following a contractor's complaint. We provided all the documents and information they requested."

Sources also said that former mayor Mazibur Rahman is seeking party nomination for the upcoming national election. He had served as the mayor of Kaliakair Municipality during the three terms of Awami League.

Local sources also alleged that Rahman maintained close ties with former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque and had long exerted control over tenders, land, and recruitment in the area.

Previously, on 5 January, the ACC summoned Mazibur Rahman over allegations of amassing vast illegal wealth under the names of his wife, children, and close associates. However, the matter was not pursued further for some reason.

Repeated attempts to reach former mayor Mazibur Rahman for comment were unsuccessful.