ACC said: World Bank pressured to freeze Abul Hussain's account and passport

Dhaka Times Report. Two days after the cancellation of the World Bank loan agreement, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) said that the World Bank had pressured Abul Hossain's account and passport to be seized.

After canceling the loan agreement of the World Bank yesterday, on July 1, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman Golam Rahman officially opened his mouth about various investigations including the complaints of the World Bank. Two days after the cancellation of the Padma Bridge project loan agreement, the ACC chairman said that the World Bank had put pressure on the ACC and said that the bank account and passport of Minister Abul Hossain should be seized. But the ACC told them, there is no scope to seize a person's bank account before filing a case. Apart from that, court permission is required to seize someone's bank account. Claiming the World Bank's decision to cancel the loan agreement with Bangladesh as unethical and reckless, Golam Rahman said that the World Bank has not cooperated with the ACC investigation in many ways. They sought to interfere with the ACC investigation. Minister Abul Hossain wanted to have representatives of the World Bank during the questioning of those against whom they have brought charges. But this also does not support the ACC Act. But they were told that a third person could stay if those who were to be interrogated agreed. Khabar Dainik Yugantar.

In the afternoon of July 1, Golam Rahman called a special conference at the ACC office and explained the position of the ACC. The press note issued by the World Bank after the cancellation of the loan agreement also highlighted the dissatisfaction with the ACC investigation. ACC Chairman Gholam Rahman, Commissioner M Shahabuddin and ACC Legal Advisor Advocate Anisul Haque, along with senior officials held meetings from morning. The newspaper also quoted the sources as saying that in that meeting it was decided that what the ACC has done since October last year, what kind of behavior the World Bank has done with the ACC during this time, they will tell the people of the country through journalists. Along with that, it was decided to respond with an official letter to the World Bank.

Golam Rahman, M Shahabuddin and Anisul Haque faced the journalists at 3 pm. In a written statement, Golam Rahman said that in early November 2011, the news of Canadian police's investigation against Lavalin of the World Bank regarding possible corruption in the selection of consultants for the Padma Bridge was published in the Bangladeshi media. At that time, ACC was not informed about this complaint by the World Bank. As the matter of corruption related to a project in Bangladesh, the ACC decided to investigate on September 19, 2011 on its own initiative and appointed an Assistant Director as the Investigating Officer.

Golam Rahman said, on September 19, 2011, a letter was given to the Finance Minister of Bangladesh by the Integrity Vice Presidency of the World Bank. It is said that former Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain and senior representatives of his business organization have accused SACO of putting pressure on appointing agents on the basis of commission in the pre-qualification of the Padma Bridge contractor. A copy of the letter was given to the ACC Chairman. The ACC decided to investigate the complaint in a different legal process. A Deputy Director is appointed for this purpose. ACC examines the inquiry report after receiving it. The 'Synopsis' (summary) of the investigation report was sent to Leonard F. through a letter on February 2 this year. McCarthy also sent along. As the complaint was not substantiated by documentary evidence, it was recorded and communicated to the World Bank. They are also requested to let us know if they have any suggestions in this regard. Golam Rahman said, without questioning the correctness of the ACC's investigation, the World Bank later advised former Communications Minister Abul Hossain and through him to seize the World Bank's integrity accounts and travel records, passports, etc. But according to the ACC Act of 2004, ACC does not have the power to freeze anyone's bank account. However, after the investigation, after the filing of the affidavit, the bank account can only be subpoenaed with the permission of the court. He said, in the interest of transparency, the synopsis of the ACC's findings to the World Bank has been released for public information.

In the press conference, Golam Rahman also said that in April this year, the World Bank gave some information to the ACC about the appointment of consultants for the bridge project. It said, the information regarding 'Percentage to be allotted to specified persons is connection with the award of the CSC contract' written in the note book of SNC Lavalin Vice President Ramesh Sahar is consistent with other information held by the Integrity Vice Presidency. A few names are coded and a possible list is made from that. Golam Rahman said, apart from this possible list, the World Bank has not provided any other information to the ACC. The World Bank also declined to provide other information. The ACC Chairman said, immediately after starting the search process regarding the appointment of consultants for the Padma Bridge, the ACC was requested to send a 'Mutual Legal Assistance Request' from the Canadian authorities through the Attorney General of Bangladesh. At the same time formal contact was established with the Canadian investigative agency. But no information or complaint of corruption has been received from them till now.
Golam Rahman said that a delegation of the World Bank stayed in Dhaka from June 23 to June 25. They discussed the financing of the Padma Bridge with the government. At the same time, they held several meetings with the ACC Chairman, Commissioner and Legal Adviser regarding the investigation into the alleged corruption. In view of the importance of Padma Bridge financing and in the light of the World Bank's agreement with the government, the ACC has agreed to several things in order to maintain the transparency of its investigation, including - the ACC investigation team will provide all documents, files and information in their possession. The ACC investigation team will provide the World Bank with all of their policies. will provide all types of information held by them. The bank account related to Padma Bridge was also discussed in detail in the meeting. It was decided, if necessary, the World Bank will also know about the bank account of the bridge. A World Bank-designated representative may be present if those who are to be questioned about the complaint at the investigation stage agree.

Golam Rahman said, I don't think it is right that the World Bank has canceled the Padma bridge loan agreement on the complaint of 'unsatisfactory response' even after ACC has agreed to cooperate in all matters related to the investigation. After the World Bank's discussion with ACC, their such decision is unreasonable, unintended and unfair. The ACC investigation will continue even after the cancellation of the World Bank loan agreement. ACC will file a case against whoever is found guilty in the investigation. When asked how many names the World Bank has given to the ACC, Golam Rahman said, "We are not able to reveal the names given by the World Bank now." It is not appropriate to disclose. However, the investigation against them will continue. The interrogation will continue. It is not for us to see what the World Bank did, whether the government got the loan. He also said that legal action will be taken against the criminal after the investigation.

In the press conference, ACC legal advisor Anisul Haque said, the World Bank has proposed to us that they will also form an additional panel to review the investigation of the ACC and give necessary advice in this regard. We promised them. But now it seems that the World Bank has decided not to finance the Padma Bridge. Now they are trying to blame us.