Ex-secretaries accuse housing authority of misconduct

City Desk :

Amid the Anti-Corruption Commission investigation on the allocation of 12 flats in Dhanmondi to senior government officers, they have shifted the blame to the National Housing Authority (NHA).

The allegations surfaced during a recent ACC inquiry, where the former secretaries highlighted their stance, claiming they had followed proper procedures in applying for the flats, reports bdnews24.com.

The controversy surrounds the 12 flats allotted to secretaries in 2018, allegedly as rewards for their involvement in controversial electoral activities during the national elections, including allegations of rigging.

The national anti-graft agency’s preliminary investigation confirmed the veracity of the claims, indicating that the flats were distributed “deliberately” as rewards under the government led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Following these findings, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works revoked the allocation of the luxurious flats on Jul 8, 2023, based on a recommendation from an NHA internal investigation committee.

Regarding the allegations of procedural violations in the flat allocation, the ACC summoned the recipients for questioning on Sept 17, 18, and 21.

Some officers appeared in person, while others submitted written statements. Several, however, failed to show up or submit statements.

The officers who did testify have claimed they applied for the flats in accordance with official procedures and that any institutional irregularities were the responsibility of the NHA.

When approached for comment, the ministry referred the inquiry to the NHA.

Alamgir Hossain, the head of the NHA’s internal investigation committee, also directed inquiries to the NHA chairman.

Attempts to contact NHA Chairman Ferdousi Begum went unanswered.