Pressure on Bank Manager to Release Tk 100 Crore in Controversial 5G Project
The project titled “Development of BTCL’s Optical Fiber Transmission Network for 5G Compatibility,” undertaken during the Awami League government to enhance BTCL’s capacity, has now become controversial over allegations of corruption and irregularities. Although the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated an investigation over allegations of purchasing unnecessary equipment, various quarters are reportedly pressuring a bank manager to release nearly Tk 100 crore.
According to a feasibility report by BUET, BTCL’s bandwidth demand in 2030 will be 26.2 terabytes. Based on this, the installation of 100G line cards was recommended. However, ignoring that recommendation, an initiative was taken to purchase equipment with a capacity of 126 terabytes. As a result, a project initially valued at Tk 165 crore was expanded to Tk 326 crore.
In 2023, the ACC began its investigation and initially found evidence of irregularities. These include the purchase of unnecessary equipment, wastage of public funds, violation of Public Procurement Rules (PPR), import of substandard equipment, and attempts to procure four times more equipment than recommended by BUET. Although the investigation is ongoing, the report has not yet been published.
Former adviser Nahid Islam, after receiving allegations of corruption, canceled the government order (GO) for a factory visit. Later, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb assumed responsibility and took initiatives to restart the project. He wrote to the ACC chairman highlighting the importance of the project and requested that activities be allowed to continue. Subsequently, equipment was brought from China without factory testing.
Huawei Technologies was awarded the responsibility of supplying the equipment for the project. After shipping the goods, pressure was reportedly applied on the bank manager to release nearly Tk 100 crore in payment. The Chinese bank has continued to demand payment through SWIFT messages. Huawei’s lobbyists in Bangladesh have also reportedly been exerting regular pressure.
Anis Ur Rahman, manager of the concerned branch of UCBL, declined to comment to the media. However, it is known that he has met ACC officials multiple times to explain the situation. As the investigation has not yet been concluded, he has not been able to release the funds.
An ACC public relations officer said that the investigating officer has obtained important evidence and will submit the report soon.
On the other hand, no official statement was received from Huawei. Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb claimed that the equipment had been tested by academic and industry experts before import.
