DHAKA: The High Court issued a ‘standover’ on hearing of the writ filed seeking a judicial inquiry into the tender of furniture and related materials purchase for a project building of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP). 

The HC bench of Justice Tariq Ul Hakim and Justice Md Suhrawardy issued the order Monday (May 20).

Writ petitioner lawyer Barrister Sayedul Haque Suman moved for the plea and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam moved for the state, at the courtroom.

Public Works Department formed two committees who will submit investigation reports over the tender within seven days. The hearing can be kept in stand-over till then, said the Attorney General.

Citing newspaper report, Barrister Sayedul Haque Suman said unnatural costs were counted for the furniture, other related things and the carrying. 

"Public Works Department can't run investigation into the matter as the allegation is against themselves. A judicial inquiry is required. Therefore, (I) have filed the writ," he added. 

However, in a press release issued on Sunday (May 19), the ministry said it has directed the contractor to keep all sorts of payment suspended until receiving the investigation reports.

"The ministry has no involvement in forming the official estimation, approval and contractor recruitment," it added.  

BDST: 1715 HRS, MAY 20, 2019
SI/SMS