Dhaka, Sept 21 (V7N) – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed six cases against former Health Minister Zahid Maleque and 12 others over allegations of irregularities, fraud and misappropriation of government funds in the procurement of medical equipment and services under a project to combat COVID-19.
ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan disclosed the information at a media briefing at the commission's headquarters today.
According to the ACC, its investigation found alleged irregularities in six packages under the COVID-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness (ERPP) Project, resulting in allegations of misappropriation of a total of Taka 12.03 crore. The project involved the procurement of various goods and services including KN95 and N95 masks, hand gloves, hospital beds, medical and surgical equipment, television commercials, mobile applications and web applications.
The ACC alleged that the accused, acting in collusion and through abuse of power and deception, misappropriated government funds in connection with the procurements.
| Case | Alleged Amount |
|---|---|
| First | Tk 3.479 crore |
| Second | Tk 1.4895 crore |
| Third | Tk 93.9875 lakh |
| Fourth | Tk 62.7347 lakh |
| Fifth | Tk 2.16976155 crore |
| Sixth | Tk 3.3264 crore |
Besides Zahid Maleque, the accused include:
Former ERPP Project Director Prof Dr Md Iqbal Kabir
Former Additional Director General Dr Saniya Tahmina Jhora
Prof Dr Nasima Sultana
Other officials of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) concerned with the project
Owners and officials of various companies involved in supplying goods and services under the relevant packages
The cases were filed on the basis of investigation reports prepared by the ACC. The charges have been brought under sections 409, 420, 120(B) and 109 of the Penal Code and section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The COVID-19 ERPP Project was launched in 2020 to strengthen Bangladesh's response to the pandemic, including the procurement of essential medical supplies and equipment. The ACC investigation was initiated following allegations of irregularities in the procurement process. The filing of these cases marks a significant step in the government's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which have targeted several high-profile figures from the previous administration.
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