Mongla port official suspended for graft
The Harbour Master of Mongla Port Authority (MPA) has been asked not to leave Khulna without prior permission as he was placed under suspension on charge of corruption.
The suspension order was issued on October 3 by chairman of Mongla Port Authority Ashraf Mohammad Iqbal.
Harbour Master Capt Shariful Ahsan received the suspension order on Thursday.
He has been replaced by the Chief Security Officer Lt Commander Kazi Shah Alam of MPA.
When asked, MPA Member (operation) Lutfor Rahman said Capt. Shariful Ahsan realised a huge amount of graft from shipping agent Messers Kamrul Enterprise in Khulna to salvage a sunken vessel from the port channel.
The shipping agent got the work order through tender to salvage foreign vessel MV Oceanways that sank in the outer anchorage of the port channel in 1999.
Lutfor Rahman further said that apart from receiving graft, the Harbour Master also harassed the shipping agent by creating obstruction in the salvage work.
In July, Messers Kamrul Enterprise submitted a complaint to the MPA chairman bringing allegation of corruption against Harbour Master Capt Shariful Ahsan.
The MPA chairman formed a three-member committee to probe the allegation.
The probe committee headed by Member (planning) Md Daud Ali submitted report on September 24, confirming allegation against the Harbour Master.
The decision to suspend him was taken at the 166th general meeting of MPA held on September 25.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments