The Anti-Corruption Commission conducted a drive at the Rajshahi City Corporation building, also known as Nagar Bhaban, on Thursday, investigating alleged irregularities in renovation work.
A team, led by Md Amir Hossain, assistant director of the ACC Rajshahi integrated office, conducted the operation from 11:00am to 1:30pm. The team interviewed RCC officials and employees and seized several documents related to the renovation projects.
Speaking after the drive, Amir Hossain stated that the investigation was prompted by allegations of renovation work being carried out on the city corporation building and other establishments without proper tendering or quotations.
The RCC officials failed to provide documentation for seven out of ten ongoing renovation projects, even though half of the work had already been completed, he said. He also noted inconsistencies and irregularities in the documents provided for the remaining three projects.
鈥楾he ACC team will submit a report on their findings to the commission鈥檚 headquarters, and further actions will be taken as directed by the commission,鈥� Amir Hossain added.
When contacted, RCC superintendent engineer (acting) Ahmad Al Moyeen claimed that all renovation work was being conducted in compliance with government rules and policies.
The renovation projects were initiated after public unrest on August 5 led to the fall of the Awami League-led government. During a student-led mass uprising, agitated crowds vandalised and set fire to several RCC establishments, including the city corporation building.
A committee tasked with assessing the damage estimated that Tk 22 crore would be required to renovate the damaged facilities and rebuild the city corporation building.
