Dhaka Wasa MD’s reappointment questionable: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday termed the appointment and reappointment of the present managing director (MD) of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority "questionable", calling upon to conduct a neutral audit to this end.

After a controversial appointment in 2009, the present Wasa managing director has been serving the post in questionable way for five consecutive terms for the last 11 years, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said in a media statement.

"It could be known through media reports and other authentic sources that rules and regulations have been violated on each occasion of renewing his appointment," said Iftekaruzzaman.

The TIB executive director said allegation against the Wasa managing director's reappointment also came to light in TIB's report "Dhaka Wasa: Challenges of Good Governance and Way Forward."

He urged to follow due procedure and transparency to appoint someone qualified and experienced in the relevant field as the next Wasa managing director, before the present MD's extended term ends on October 14 this year.

In the statement, the graft watchdog called upon the authorities concerned to follow due procedure and transparency in all appointments of contractual jobs including the managing director post at Dhaka Wasa.

It made the call to curb corruption and ensure good governance at the government organisation, saying in the past, violation of rules was evident while allegation of irregularities and corruption was also raised in case of such appointment.

Especially, good governance has to be established after wiping out a long-standing malpractice of "one [person]-centric dominance" in the Wasa management, TIB said.