Dhaka: State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, MP, today announced that the government has established a committee to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities within the Local Government Division and its subordinate agencies during the Awami League’s tenure from 2009 to 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seven-member committee is led by the Director General of the Local Government Division and is tasked with submitting its findings within 60 working days. The investigation will also encompass activities conducted during the interim government period, highlighting a specific instance where former adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain approved a project file without the necessary signature from the concerned secretary.
The state minister pointed out alleged irregularities in development projects in Pirojpur, where approximately Tk 6 crore had been withdrawn following tender awards, yet no tangible work was evident. This situation has resulted in all development projects in Pirojpur remaining stalled for the past two years. Mir Shahe Alam stated that the government plans to conduct an on-site inspection in the district and take measures to resume the halted projects.
Further allegations of corruption and irregularities have been identified in road and bridge construction projects across several other districts in the country, indicating a broader scope for the committee’s investigation.