ACC to probe alleged Tk4,000cr embezzlement in 3rd Terminal project

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to launch an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of approximately Tk4,000 crore through irregularities, corruption, and embezzlement in the construction of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain, at a media briefing today (29 December), said there are allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and fraudulent activities against project director AKM Maksudul Islam, who was recently removed from the post.

He said the corruption allegedly caused the project cost to increase from Tk7,000 crore to Tk22,000 crore.

The allegations include buying equipment locally but falsely reporting it as imported, and embezzling Tk900 crore by altering designs and engaging in irregularities during soil testing.

Additionally, three major contracts were allegedly sold to other contractors for commission. While the tender mentioned European-standard machinery and equipment, substandard items from China and Korea were used.

There are also allegations of irregularities in unnecessary ceiling work, wasting Tk12 crore to appease Sheikh Hasina, and forming a syndicate to syphon off Tk4,000 crore from the project, according to the ACC director.

Akhtar Hossain assured that the ACC is committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.

Regarding the allegations against him, project director Maksudul Islam told TBS that he was not aware of any such corruption in the project and denied his involvement with any irregularities during his tenure.

"Now I am not in the chair. The authorities can investigate. I was totally transparent," he added.

The under-construction terminal was inaugurated by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on 23 October 2023 with plans for it to become operational by October this year.

However, it will now go into operation by December next year due to delays in the full completion of the work, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

Earlier on 2 December, aviation operators and other stakeholders at a roundtable discussion raised allegations of corruption in the construction of the third terminal, calling for a thorough investigation.

Group Captain (retd) Mofizur Rahman, secretary general of the Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB), raised concerns about the sharp increase in costs for the third terminal project.

"Initially, the estimated cost of the third terminal project with a parallel runway was Tk7,000 crore. How can it balloon to Tk22,000 crore in just a few years, and that too without the runway?" he said.

Now, the cost of the terminal is projected to reach Tk25,000 crore, he added.  

Mofizur, who is also the managing director of Novo Air, said the third terminal may seem aesthetically pleasing on the surface but is plagued by the use of substandard materials throughout.

He further expressed concern over the inclusion of critical equipment from obscure and unbranded sources, warning that this could lead to long-term durability issues.

Present at that event, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan assured that the allegations of corruption related to the third terminal at Dhaka Airport would be investigated by the appropriate authorities, such as the ACC.