The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) raided Nagar Bhaban, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters, on Sunday over allegations of irregularities and embezzlement involving fake fuel bills, amounting to crores of taka.
ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Akhtarul Islam confirmed the matter, stating that the operation was launched by the Enforcement Unit of the ACC.
According to ACC sources, a significant sum of money was withdrawn by submitting fake fuel bills, even though government vehicles assigned to DSCC officials were not being used. The funds were subsequently embezzled.
The complaint alleged that during a 40-day closure of the Nagar Bhaban, prompted by protests demanding the appointment of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as mayor, officials continued to show fuel consumption of 14-15 litres per day for their vehicles, despite not attending the office.
According to DSCC, the corporation spends about Tk5 crore on fuel each month. However, despite the office being closed in May and June, fuel expenses were reported as usual, even though no significant activities took place.
The ACC stated that the raid was part of a preliminary investigation into the allegations. During the operation, the enforcement unit collected documents and other relevant information.
ACC Assistant Director Ikram Hossain, who led the two-member probe team, revealed that the corruption involved both drivers and senior DSCC officials. The commission has uncovered that, while government vehicles allocated to DSCC officials were not in use, substantial amounts of money were withdrawn through fraudulent fuel bills, leading to the embezzlement of public funds.
However, the relevant transport department has not been able to provide any satisfactory explanation regarding the matter.
“Documents have been seized, and drivers were questioned during the raid. A report will be submitted to the commission after the seized documents are thoroughly analysed,” added Ikram Hossain.