ACC to probe Tk 4,000cr embezzlement in HSIA 3rd terminal project
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of massive irregularities and corruption involving approximately Tk 4,000 crore in the construction of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain confirmed the decision to probe the allegations on Sunday (December 29).
According to Md Akhter Hossain, several allegations have been raised against AKM Maksudul Islam, the director of the Third Terminal Project. These include: Inflating the estimated project cost from Tk 7,000 crore to Tk 22,000 crore, embezzling funds by falsely claiming local purchases of equipment were imported, misappropriating Tk 900 crore by altering project designs and manipulating soil test reports, profiteering by selling contracts to other contractors in exchange for commissions.
Additionally, it is alleged that although the tender specified European-standard parts and equipment, low-quality items from China and Korea were used. Reports suggest irregularities in sealing works and expenditures under questionable justifications, resulting in embezzlement of Tk 4,000 crore through a syndicate.
The Third Terminal construction project, initiated in 2017, officially began on December 28, 2019, with a total estimated cost of Tk 21,398 crore. Of this, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is providing Tk 16,141 crore as a loan, while the remaining funds are sourced from the Bangladesh government.
The terminal is being constructed by Mitsubishi and Fujita of Japan, alongside Samsung of South Korea. The project was partially inaugurated in October 2023 by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The ACC investigation aims to uncover the extent of corruption, abuse of power, and financial mismanagement in the project. The commission has vowed to hold accountable those involved in compromising the quality, cost, and progress of a critical national infrastructure project.
