ACC files case against 5 ex-official of Khulna Shipyard

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has lodged a case against five former officials of Khulna Shipyard Limited, including its former managing director, over allegations of corruption in the sale of the MV Srijoni launch.

Assistant Director Shubhro Mahmudul Hasan from the ACC's coordinated district office filed the case on Sunday, Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune.

According to ACC sources, the accused individuals are former commander and general manager (finance) Mohammad Matiur Rahman, former commander and acting general manager (admin) Md Rana, former captain and general manager (production) Anisur Rahman Molla, former Managing Director Shawkat Imran, and MRS S B Construction's proprietor M Syedujjaman Syed.

The complaint alleges that these individuals, through misuse of authority involving coercion, concealment, and mutual collusion, violated rules and regulations by selling the MV Srijoni launch of Khulna Shipyard Limited for an adjusted price of Tk25,107,500, instead of its highest bid price of Tk3,585,550.

This action constitutes offences under sections 420/409/109 of the Penal Code, 1860, and section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

Upon reviewing the investigation report and relevant records, the commission found that Khulna Shipyard Limited's internal procurement regulations, specified under Section 16.3, mandate the forfeiture of the performance guarantee if the initial security fails within the stipulated time.

Additionally, under Section 25.4, if there is a delay exceeding 45 days for local goods or 100 days for imported goods in the supply of goods, the purchase order or contract may be cancelled, thereby allowing for the forfeiture of the performance guarantee.