Tk 6 cr public money down the drain

Some contractors swindled the SRC in connivance with some officials by submitting 'false' bills and voucher and quoting excessive rates, sources in the Bureau of Anti Corruption (BAU) have said.

The BAU is probing the matter flowing a written complaint.

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The sources said preliminary investigation found that officials concerned and some staff were involved in the scam.

The misappropriated amount includes Tk 27,7000, taken in excess in an earth-filling work on the SRC premises, which allegedly violated the project proposal. The irregularity was done during the tenure of a former project director, according to investigation by the Planning and Evaluation Wing of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC) earlier.

A helipad was built unnecessarily in the compound at a cost of about Tk 12 lac for a "probable visit by the Prime Minister", sources added. The helipad was planned for the visit but the plan was implemented even after her visit was cancelled.

SRC authorities also spent Tk four crore for other works without proper approval by higher authorities, they said. These included construction of boundary wall, procurement of equipment and samples of spices from India.

Papers containing allegations of the financial irregularities were submitted to ruling party Whip and local MP Rezaul Bari by some local people including some contractors. The Whip sent the papers to the BAC and also talked to the Agriculture Minister over the matter.