Projects with graft allegations to come under scanner: Adviser Nahid

A review committee has been established to investigate projects marred with allegations of corruption, according to Nahid Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

This committee will assess the projects and investigate the allegations before presenting a full report to the government.

Nahid shared this information during a press conference held this (12 September) afternoon in the conference room of the information and broadcasting ministry. The conference was organised to outline the interim government's activities over the past month and their 100-day action plan.

During the press briefing, Nahid announced that contract-based appointments made by various offices and agencies during the previous administration have been cancelled.

He said, "Officials accused of incompetence, corruption, or supporting a fascist government are being transferred elsewhere. Investigations are ongoing based on specific allegations, and action will be taken if they are proven guilty."

The Posts and Telecommunications Division has submitted a detailed report on the preliminary investigation into the internet shutdown during the anti-discrimination movement. Nahid indicated that actions are being taken in line with the recommendations of this investigation committee.

He also noted ongoing challenges with administrative inertia and uncooperative individuals but assured that there is no indication of a coup within the secretariat.

He added that various individuals, including political activists and government officials, are using the names or photos of coordinators to gain undue advantages. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to act immediately upon observing such situations.

On the issue of extortion, Nahid highlighted the government's firm stance. "We are taking measures. The BNP is addressing allegations against its members, and discussions have been held with party leaders to manage this issue," he said.

Regarding recent police performance, Nahid acknowledged difficulties. He mentioned that around noon on 5 August, reports suggested Sheikh Hasina had resigned and was fleeing. However, no instructions were given to field police, despite senior officials being aware of the situation. "If instructions had been provided, much of the damage could have been avoided that day," he noted.

In terms of new government initiatives, Nahid announced plans to make Teletalk more customer-friendly, extend 4G services to rural areas, and reduce call drops.

Additionally, laws and regulations under the information and broadcasting ministry are being reviewed, with necessary revisions to be made as part of the government's 100-day action plan.

Relevant institutions have been tasked with gathering information on journalists affected during the protests. Initial reports indicate five journalists were killed and 92 injured.

The government is also preparing a 100-day programme, including the establishment of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, with Dr Muhammad Yunus appointed as its president. The foundation will work with both domestic and international support to preserve the memory of the injured and deceased and to aid in their rehabilitation.

However, the memorial event for the martyrs scheduled for 14 September has been temporarily postponed due to the incomplete preparation of the full list of the deceased.

Nahid said that the health ministry is finalising this list, with current reports indicating 728 martyrs and 20,263 injured. The number of fatalities may increase slightly and is expected to be finalised by Sunday.

The budget for the memorial event is capped at Tk5 crore, covering expenses for bringing families of the injured and deceased to Dhaka, arranging their accommodation for one night, and providing state honours.

Additionally, the Department of Telecommunications has blocked 1,667 pornographic websites and 560 gambling websites in the past month.