ACC probe finds Tk25.22m embezzlement in Chattogram Port Road project

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found preliminary evidence of irregularities and alleged embezzlement of Tk25.22 million in a project to install a weighing scale at the toll plaza of Chattogram Port’s Port Express Road.

An ACC investigation found that the work was shown as having been carried out through a company named “Zero Trading”, which investigators suspect is a non-existent or fake entity. The project was also recorded as completed in just three days, although the scheduled completion period was 10 days.

An ACC team led by Assistant Director Sayed Mohammad Imran Hossain conducted an operation at the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) office in Chattogram’s Rahmatganj on Wednesday. The team examined project approval documents, work orders, bills, vouchers and documents related to the contractor.

Investigators also inspected the project site to compare the actual work with the information recorded in official documents.

The ACC is examining how a government project could be awarded to an allegedly fake company, who verified the company’s documents, and how the bills were approved and paid.

Preliminary information also suggests the involvement of RHD engineers and other officials in the alleged irregularities. However, the ACC has not yet determined the individual responsibility of any official or organisation.

The investigating team said it would further verify the documents and field-level findings before submitting a report to the ACC commission. Further action will be taken based on the commission’s decision.

The investigation will also determine whether the work claimed in the project was actually completed, whether excess payments were made, and whether government funds were spent on work that existed only on paper.