Zahid, 12 others face Covid-era graft cases

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved six separate cases against former health minister Zahid Maleque and 12 others over alleged embezzlement of Tk 12.90 crore in Covid-19 emergency procurement.

ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan confirmed the decision on Monday.

The cases involve alleged irregularities in six procurement packages under the Directorate General of Health Services’ Covid-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness project.

The allegations include embezzlement and overpayment in the purchase of masks, gloves, electric hospital beds and other medical equipment, as well as the development of a mobile app and web application.

The first case involves an alleged embezzlement of Tk 3.48 crore in the purchase of KN95 and N95 masks and hand gloves. The second concerns Tk 1.49 crore in the purchase of electric hospital beds.

Another case involves Tk 93.99 lakh in the purchase of KN95 masks, while a fourth concerns Tk 62.73 lakh allegedly spent without producing a planned TV commercial.

The fifth case involves alleged overpayment and embezzlement of Tk 2.17 crore in the purchase of medical equipment. The sixth concerns Tk 3.32 crore allegedly embezzled in developing the CoronaBD mobile app and National Corona Care System web application.

The accused include former DGHS officials and representatives of several companies. The cases will be filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

-AJM