An official of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has submitted the government’s agreement with Regent Hospital and other documents to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for an investigation into the Regent Hospital scandal.
Dr Didarul Islam, an official of the DGHS, handed over the documents to Abu Bakar Siddiqui, deputy director of the ACC and investigation officer of the Regent scam case.
ACC Director (Media) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Monday.
Earlier on July 13, ACC decided to probe allegations against Regent Hospital owner Shahed alias Shahed Karim and formed a four-member inquiry committee regarding the matter.
On Sunday, an investigation team led by ACC Deputy Director Abu Bakar Siddique conducted a drive at the DGHS headquarters in Mohakhali.
During the raid, the ACC officials spoke to the DGHS chief and other officials and, while also collecting several documents, asked them to provide more documents.
On Sunday, ACC Secretary Dilwar Bakht said some senior officials, including the DGHS Director-General Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam, could be summoned in connection with various irregularities and corruption by Regent Hospital owner Shahed.
“If someone’s statement on the Regent Hospital scam is required, they will be summoned regardless of their identity. Some documents have been found on the matter and more documents are being examined,” said the ACC secretary.
Earlier on July 10, ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood said that those involved with corruption in the health sector will face punishment once they are identified.
The ACC chief also said: “We have checked the approval letter by several DGHS officials. They will have to face the anti-graft commission if needed.”
Recently, the DGHS chief in a press release denied any involvement in irregularities and said they followed directions from the Health Ministry.
ACC interrogates 3 CMSD officials
Meanwhile, the ACC questioned three officials of the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) on Monday as part of its probe into the purchase corruption of the N-95 masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The officials are -- CMSD Chief Coordinator Dr Ziaul Haque, Deputy Director Dr Zakir Hossain, and senior storekeeper Yusuf Fakir.
The commission had previously interrogated three other officials regarding the matter on Sunday.
A four-member team led by ACC Director (Intelligence) Mir Md Zainul Abedin Shibli interrogated them.