Preliminary Evidence of Corruption in Padma Bridge Consultancy Appointment, Says ACC Chair

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered initial proof suggesting corruption in the appointment of a consultancy firm responsible for inspecting the construction of the Padma Bridge, said ACC Chairman Md Abdul Momen on Tuesday.

At the ACC headquarters, he revealed that in September 2014, despite having sufficient grounds to pursue charges against some project officials, the then ACC administration decided to almost forcibly dismiss the case, effectively acquitting those involved.

The case is set to be reopened after a new investigation report is submitted by relevant officials. The ACC chief also indicated that former officials might face legal action for potentially misleading the investigation.

Md Abdul Momen outlined several irregularities identified in the initial probe that the previous ACC officials failed to address, including:

• Unnecessary restructuring of the project evaluation committee multiple times, possibly with ill intent.
• Failure to regularly gather essential project information or conduct mandatory interviews with consultants and officials.
• Inadequate review of the curriculum vitae of consultants before selecting the final bidder.
• Repeated purchase of reusable materials without clear necessity.

In 2012, the World Bank halted its loan support for the Padma Bridge project amid allegations of corruption. Under international pressure, the then government of Bangladesh launched an investigation into the matter. The ACC’s new findings suggest there may have been misconduct related to the consultancy appointment, raising questions about past decisions and oversight.