Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen has stated that initial evidence of irregularities and corruption has been found in the appointment of consultants for the Padma Bridge project.
Speaking to reporters at the ACC headquarters on Tuesday, Momen revealed that the case had previously been closed despite the existence of sufficient evidence. He alleged that the then-ACC leadership forcibly acquitted the accused in the case.
The ACC chairman confirmed that the current investigation, which began in January this year, has already uncovered significant information pointing to corruption. He added that the commission is now looking into whether the former ACC leadership was responsible for the controversial acquittal.
“If anyone is found involved in the new investigation, they will be brought to justice,” Momen assured.
Notably, in 2012, the ACC filed a case against seven individuals over alleged corruption related to the appointment of consultants for the Padma Bridge, amid controversy surrounding World Bank funding. However, in 2014, the then commission, led by Badiuzzaman and Shahabuddin Chuppu, closed the case without explanation.
Following renewed attention on the matter, a high-level committee was formed earlier this year to reinvestigate the case. The ACC has since obtained various documents, including those related to the then Bridge Secretary, Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, and other individuals involved.
