Rangamati, Aug 22 (V7N) – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a surprise enforcement operation at the office of the Executive Engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) in Rangamati, amid allegations of irregularities in a Tk 334 crore water supply project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
 
On Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m., an ACC enforcement team led by Mohammad Zahid Kalam, Deputy Director of the ACC’s Integrated District Office in Rangamati, launched an operation to investigate alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Kaptai Lake Water Supply Project.
 
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the project—valued at Tk 334 crore—is being implemented by the DPHE with ADB funding to improve water access in the region. However, complaints have emerged regarding substandard construction, violations of work orders, and anomalies in the tendering process.
 
During the visit to the Executive Engineer’s office, ACC officials examined tender documentation and procurement records. Specific focus was placed on whether the project adhered to approved technical and administrative procedures. Allegations include the use of poor-quality materials and awarding of contracts without proper compliance.
 
The ACC team requested and collected certified photocopies of key project documents, including tender files, approval sheets, and budget allocations. The operation took place in the presence of Rangamati District Executive Engineer Parag Barua, who responded to queries raised by the enforcement team and presented relevant documents.
 
Speaking to reporters after the operation, Zahid Kalam stated, “Today’s enforcement action was carried out based on multiple complaints. The information gathered will be forwarded to ACC headquarters for review. Further action will be determined based on the decisions of our higher authorities.”
 
Also present during the operation were Assistant Engineer Subrata Barua of DPHE, as well as Assistant Directors of the ACC Rangamati office Ahmed Farhad Hossain, Sowar Hossain, and Borhan Uddin.
 
This investigation is part of a broader initiative by the ACC to ensure transparency in large-scale infrastructure and development projects across Bangladesh. The Commission has reiterated its commitment to taking swift and lawful action in cases where misuse of public funds is suspected.
 
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