In the face of allegations raised by an Awami League MP, a parliamentary watchdog yesterday formed a three-member subcommittee to investigate financial corruption in the procurement of port handling equipment in last five years.
The parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry at its first meeting formed the subcommittee, headed by Abdul Latif, lawmaker for Chittagong 10. At the meeting, he alleged that corruption was there in the procurement of equipment, involving Tk1,200 crore.
The other two members of the subcommittee are Nurul Islam Sujon and Anwarul Azim.
Latif who earlier scuffled with police in Chittagong port apparently to establish ‘control’ also alleged that financial transactions took place in giving jobs in the port.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan told the meeting that the committee should inquire and find out whether financial dealings took place.
“We have formed the subcommittee to examine whether the allegations of financial corruption raised by Mr Latif were right. As the government maintains zero tolerance for corruption, we will look into it,” Nurul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune after the meeting at the parliament building.
The shipping minister said the allegations of financial corruption in the procurement of equipment were not true, but ‘some deviations’ could be there on appointment of staff in the port.
“The honourable MPs very often recommend for their candidates. But it does not mean financial dealings were there,” Shajahan told the committee on the allegations of Abdul Latif. He said the watchdog should find out corruption, if any.
Referring some news reports, Abdul Latif said the Chittagong Port Authority procured excavator, ambulance boat and other port handling equipment, costing over Tk1,200 crore.
He said New Mooring Container Terminal was constructed with huge amounts of public money, but it was still inoperative.
Committee’s Chairman Major (retd) Rafiqul Islam said: “We have formed a subcommittee as allegations have come.”
Shajahan Khan, also a member of the committee, said he would cooperate with the subcommittee to carry out investigation and take actions against the persons, if found guilty.
Committee members Abdul Hye, Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Ranjit Kumar Roy, Md Anwarul Azim and Momtaz Begum attended the meeting.
