The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is inquiring into allegations of corruption and irregularities against former prime ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, ministers and bureaucrats during the two governments of BNP and Awami League in signing contract with Canadian company Niko.

"The issue of Niko is at inquiry stage. Two inquiry officers have been appointed for the periods of two previous governments," ACC secretary Mokhles ur Rahman said at a regular briefing of the Commission on Thursday He said: "The matters to inquire are why the lowest bidder was not awarded the deal and if the state incurred any financial loss because of declaring a gas field abandoned, if the contract was non-transparent and if anyone was personally benefited." He added: "If the inquiries proved the allegations (in the matter), next necessary measures will be taken."

Asked what would be next measures, Mokhles said that if corruption is proved, first information report (FIR) would be filed followed by investigation and then the case would go to court.

Replying to a query, he said the involvement of all-beginning from heads of state to ministers and bureaucrats -are being inquired. The inquiries have begun about 2-3 weeks ago, the ACC secretary told another questioner.

He said the inquiries are expected to be complete by November. Asked about two former Prime Ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina being accused in the same case, Mokhles said it would be decided after receiving inquiry report whether there would be one case or more. When his attention was drawn to media reports that former Prime Minister Khaleda's involvement was not found, he said: "We have not yet received the inquiry report. It's too early for me to comment." About the progress of investigation in the case filed against former Prime Minister Hasina on September 2, Mokhles said though the investigation has begun a bit late due to court intervention, the investigation would be completed within the stipulated time.

Asked if Khaleda's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko would be questioned, he said that if the investigation officer deems it necessary Koko could be questioned.

The ACC secretary informed that AL presidium member Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury's son Shahdat Akbar Chowdhury submitted his wealth statement to the Commission on October 16.