Dhaka:The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations at four different locations in Bangladesh following allegations of artificially induced shortages of 117 essential medicines, overcharging in deed registration, patient harassment at a hospital, and irregularities in road renovation projects.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ACC's enforcement unit conducted these operations in response to concerns that essential medicine shortages were being artificially created. Instead of providing regular alternatives, higher-priced medicines with additional formulations were allegedly being sold, leading to financial losses for consumers and posing public health risks. The ACC's head office team conducted a drive at the Directorate General of Drug Administration, where they collected a list of the essential medicines, meeting minutes, and other documents.
In Pabna, the ACC investigated the Sadar Upazila Sub-Registrar's Office over allegations of collecting excessive fees for deed registration and certified copies. The team gathered information from service seekers and discovered that the 'Deed Writers' Association' was allegedly charging between Taka 2,000 and Taka 10,000 more than the government-prescribed fees.
In Dinajpur, the ACC's district office conducted a drive at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital to address allegations of patient harassment, malfunctioning diagnostic equipment, broker activities, and negligence in hospital maintenance. The team monitored hospital activities undercover, spoke with the director, and inspected various departments.
The ACC also addressed allegations of substandard materials and non-compliance with specifications in road renovation in Netrokona. The team collected documents, interviewed locals, and assessed the construction quality of the Abhaypasha Bypass Road project.
The ACC will review collected data and field findings before submitting comprehensive reports on these allegations.