ACC to prosecute six over ‘irregularities’ in LED billboard installation in Dhaka South

The anti-graft agency seeks asset details from three DSCC officers accused of holding wealth beyond known sources of income

The Anti-Corruption Commission has approved charges against six people for alleged irregularities and corruption in LED billboard installations under the Dhaka South City Corporation, causing an estimated revenue loss of Tk 251.36 million.

ACC Deputy Director Md Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development on Tuesday.

According to the ACC’s investigation, although the official rate for installing LED signs on city corporation land or buildings -- along with properties of government, semi-government, and autonomous bodies -- was set at Tk 20,000 per sqft, it was brought down to only Tk 800 per square foot through manipulation. This led to substantial revenue evasion and alleged embezzlement.

The six facing prosecution are:

• Khan Mohammad Bilal, former chief executive officer of DSCC (additional secretary, retired)

• Md Yusuf Ali Sardar, former deputy chief revenue officer (markets), now dismissed

• Md Akhtar Hamid Khan, managing director of TCL Optoelectronics Limited

• Mst Momtaz Begum, owner of Best One

• Md Gaffar Elahi, owner of Boishakhi Traders

• Sultana Dil Afroza, owner of G-Tech

The case has been approved under Sections 409 and 109 of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, said Akhtarul.

The graft busters also cleared orders for submitting wealth statements against three more officials for allegedly acquiring assets beyond known sources of income in connection with the same irregularities.

They are:

• Dewan Alim Al Razi, deputy tax officer, DSCC

• Md Asaduzzaman, former additional chief engineer

• Md Nasir Uddin, revenue officer