CHITTAGONG: Marine Contractors Association accused Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan of making fortune by anomalies in appointing 600 watchmen in the Chitttagong Port.  

President of the association Abdul Khaleq Chowdhury made the allegation at a press conference Saturday at Chittagong Press Club.

The Minister denied the allegation and said that he had not appointed anyone. “Chittagong Port Authority made all these appointments. They may talk about it,” he said.  

When contacted, Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Commodore RU Ahmed refused to comment.

Abdul Khaleq Chowdhury said the Marine Contractor Association was responsible for appointment of watchmen in the port as per rules.

“But the Port authority did not consult us before the appointment and violated the rules,” he said, adding that the Minister, the Chairman of the Port and some other senior officials were involved in the whole scam.

Shahjahan Khan told banglanews24.com.bd that the Association brought false allegation. “I have no relatives in Chittagong and that is why the question of corruption does not arise at all,” he said.

Replying to a query if he would take action against the association for what he said false allegation, Khan said: “What action should I take?”  

BDST 2250 HRS, JULY 3, 2010.