DPDC building twin towers with swimming pool, gym for officials using project funds: Minister

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku has alleged that the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) is constructing twin residential towers for its officials, complete with luxury facilities such as a swimming pool and gymnasium, using funds from a power infrastructure project.

The minister made the remarks today (12 June) at a post-budget press conference organised by the Ministry of Finance at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Expressing concern, Tuku said the previous Awami League government had undertaken a DPDC project to place electricity distribution lines underground. However, he claimed that funds from the project were being used to build two twin towers in Shahbagh to accommodate DPDC officials, despite the development being unrelated to the project's original objectives.

"The twin towers are being equipped with facilities such as a swimming pool and a gym, even though DPDC is a loss-making organisation," the minister said.

He added that halting the construction at this stage would be difficult, as a significant portion of the project has already been completed.

"In some cases, 50% of the funds have already been spent, while in others, 60% has been spent. If the construction is stopped now, what will happen to the money that has already been invested?" he asked.