ACC probes parliament sound system irregularities

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating alleged irregularities, embezzlement and money laundering linked to the installation, repair and maintenance of the sound system in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban’s plenary hall.

ACC Director General Mohammad Nazmul Hasan disclosed the investigation to journalists on Thursday (October 15), naming Communication Technology Ltd CEO Zahidur Rahim Zowarder and other relevant individuals as subjects of the inquiry.

The ACC began the investigation on April 9 over allegations of irregularities in the sound system project and money laundering.

Installation of the system began in 2018, but it reportedly malfunctioned several times during parliamentary sessions. It was damaged when protesters entered the parliament building on August 5, 2024, and was later repaired and renovated under the interim government through the same contractor.

According to ACC sources, Zowarder’s company installed the system under the supervision of then executive engineer Mohammad Ashraful Haque of the Public Works Department’s National Parliament Building office. The same company was subsequently engaged to repair and renovate it.

The ACC is examining allegations that Tk 9 crore was allocated for repair and renovation, of which Tk 5 crore was spent. The commission is investigating claims that the contractor and an engineer colluded to misappropriate public funds and transfer part of the money abroad.

Separately, the ACC has approved filing a case against former Khulna-6 lawmaker Mohammad Rashiduzzaman over alleged acquisition of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004.