DHAKA: Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) quizzed Taksim A Khan, managing director of Dhaka WASA (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority) on allegation of irregularities and corruption in Padma-Jasholdia water treatment plant.

Avoiding the media, the WASA boss secretly faced interrogation of the anti-graft watchdog for three hours on Thursday, starting from 9:15am.

Confirming the matter to banglanews, competent sources of ACC said though ACC summoned him for interrogation in two phases he did not respond to the notice.

But Taksim A Khan, over a phone call on Wednesday, said that he would face ACC interrogation on Thursday, they added.

He presented his written statement about the allegations during interrogation. Though he submitted a written statement, the ACC quizzed him orally about the allegations, said the sources.

However, Taksim tried to prove his innocence during the interrogation, but ACC was not satisfied with the written and oral statements regarding the allegation.

However, a water treatment plant has been setup at Jashaldia to supply 45 crore liters water every day from the river Padma.

According to the allegation received by ACC, the current MD of WASA procured substandard pipes without floating any tender before land acquisition and the appointment of consultant for the Water Treatment Plant project.

Dhaka WASA signed an agreement with the contractors 13 months before approval of the project. Tender for the work was not floated, even no vetting (bargaining) with construction firm.

ACC suspected the government will face loss of Tk 550 crore after the completion of the project.

BDST: 1805 HRS, MAY 14, 2015
RS/RR/SMS