RANGAMATI, July 30 (V7N) – A controversy has emerged over the lease tender process of the Kaptai Upstream Jetty in Rangamati following allegations of obstruction in submitting bids, destruction of tender documents, and confinement of a representative.
The Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant authorities have formed an investigation committee into the allegations, and officials said the inquiry report has already been submitted to the higher authorities for review.
Abdullah Al Kaisar Chowdhury, owner of Faisal Enterprise, submitted a written complaint alleging that his representative, Mohammad Mozzafar Hossain, was prevented from submitting the tender documents on June 21, 2026, the final date for submission.
According to the complaint, the representative reached the Deputy Manager’s office at around 11:50am before the deadline but was allegedly stopped by Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) CBA leader Mohammad Belal and several others. The complaint further alleged that the tender schedule was torn up, the pay order was returned, and the representative was kept in a room for some time.
Chowdhury claimed that the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage and requested that the recordings be reviewed to verify the allegations. He also said the matter was reported to relevant officials and that security personnel were informed after contacting the national emergency service.
However, Mohammad Belal rejected the allegations, describing them as “false and motivated.” He said all necessary evidence was available and that he would accept any decision taken by the authorities if the allegations were proven. He also said he would seek legal action if the accusations were found to be false and damaging to his reputation.
Belal added that there was no personal dispute between him and the complainant, saying they were from the same area. He denied any involvement in tender-related activities and claimed the allegations were aimed at harming his social reputation.
Following the complaint, the manager of Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant formed an investigation committee. Committee member and Executive Engineer Mohammad Kaysul Bari said the investigation team reviewed CCTV footage and other evidence before submitting its report to the higher authorities. He declined to disclose the findings or recommendations.
Meanwhile, some stakeholders have raised concerns over the possibility of government revenue losses, claiming that efforts are being made to lease the jetty at a lower price than expected. They alleged that the previous lease value was Tk 25.50 lakh, while this year a bidder was allegedly prevented from submitting a Tk 32.85 lakh offer.
They said government leases usually increase by around 10 percent annually, but the current process has raised questions as the proposed value appears lower than previous years. However, authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations of a lower lease price.
The concerned parties are now awaiting the final decision of the higher authorities after the submission of the investigation report.
END/AMR/SMA/
