Irregularities in various projects of CDA remain uninvestigated even after two months
MR Amin, Chattogram
Despite the formation of a probe committee, the investigation into irregularities and corruption in various projects undertaken by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) during the 16-year rule of the Awami League government has yet to see the light of day.
Serious allegations have surfaced against CDA officials for massive irregularities and corruption in implementing development projects in Chattogram. Although such allegations have existed for years, no effective measures have been taken. A committee was formed by the ministry to investigate these issues, but the inquiry has yet to make any progress. Seven months have passed since the committee's formation, but it has not held a single meeting. This lack of progress has sparked criticism from concerned quarters. There are doubts over whether the delay is due to genuine busyness or if influential individuals are working behind the scenes to protect corrupt officials. Reliable sources have revealed that those involved in the corruption are lobbying in various ways.
Md. Nazmul Alam, Deputy Secretary of the Planning Division-2 of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and a member of the investigation committee, confirmed the formation of the committee.
Allegations suggest that during the uninterrupted 16-year tenure of the Awami League, individuals have used their political connections to exert influence and gain financial benefits, often in unethical ways. With these illicit earnings, they have allegedly bought high-ranking positions. The same pattern has been observed in CDA, where important responsibilities were handed over to favored individuals, bypassing regulations. Assistant engineers were appointed as Project Directors (PDs) of major projects, and irregularities began immediately after they assumed their roles. It is alleged that billions of takas were embezzled from various projects through corruption.
Currently, cases are ongoing with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against 15 CDA engineers, including the Chief Engineer, several PDs, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers. Due to these cases, their promotions have been stalled for years, and many are unlikely to receive retirement benefits. As a result, some are desperately trying to accumulate money through irregular means before retirement. Unfortunately, some honest officers have also become entangled in these complex legal issues.
To address the irregularities and identify the corrupt officials, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works formed an investigation committee on December 11 last year. Due to dissatisfaction with the committee's performance, it was restructured on April 23. The reconstituted committee is headed by Md. Abdul Matin, Additional Secretary of the Development Wing-1 of the Ministry. Rabindra Chakma, Secretary of CDA, has been appointed as the member secretary. Other members include: Said Mahbub Morshed, Superintending Engineer of the Monitoring and Audit Circle, Public Works Department, Dhaka; Md. Nazmul Alam, Deputy Secretary of Planning Division-2; CDA Board Members Architect Syeda Jarina Hossain and Syed Kudrat Ali. The official letter was signed by Dr. Md. Nurul Amin, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry.
The scope of the committee's work states:
"The committee will examine all allegations received regarding development projects undertaken by CDA during the previous government's tenure and submit a detailed report with clear opinions. The committee may consult technical experts or institutions if needed. The report must be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry within two months."
Several CDA officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that many officers involved in past irregularities had amassed massive wealth. Some of their children are studying in the U.S., some have constructed multiple high-rise buildings, and others have laundered money abroad. These individuals are still in service and are using their influence to retain their positions and protect their illicit interests. Some are even trying to manipulate the committee.
When approached for a comment, Rabindra Chakma, Secretary of CDA and Member Secretary of the probe committee, refused to meet, citing a busy schedule.
Committee Convener Md. Abdul Matin could not be reached for comment as he is currently ill and undergoing treatment.
However, committee member and Deputy Secretary Md. Nazmul Alam said, “The previous committee has been dissolved and a new one formed. Due to the convener’s illness, we haven’t been able to start work or hold a meeting. We were supposed to submit the report within two months, but the deadline has already passed.
When asked when the report will be submitted, he replied to The Country Today , ‘This is not a small task—it’s quite extensive, and it will take time. We hope to begin once the convener recovers. But we will not tolerate any irregularities. The report will reflect the truth ".
