PM Tarique says his government inherited a state riddled with corruption

He speaks of “massive irregularities” in Rooppur, Padma Bridge and Karnaphuli Tunnel projects

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the BNP-led government inherited every sector of the country in a “fragile” state, likening Bangladesh’s condition to that of a war-devastated nation.

While addressing police officials at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, the premier also alleged “massive corruption” in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Padma Bridge projects.

“When we assumed responsibility, we found almost every sector in an extremely fragile condition,” he said.

“It felt like a government beginning its journey in a war-ravaged country.”

Referring to 38 audit reports for the 2021-22 fiscal year submitted to him on May 5 by Comptroller and Auditor General Md Nurul Islam, Tarique said he was not making political accusations but presenting “the reality”.

“These reports concern the future of our citizens and our children,” he said.

Citing findings from the Rooppur project, Tarique said furnished quarters for foreigners included pillows allegedly priced at Tk 80,000 each.

“Can any normal person imagine a pillow costing Tk 80,000 anywhere in the world?” he asked.

He also alleged dressing tables worth Tk 30,000 to Tk 35,000 had been shown as costing Tk 400,000 to Tk 500,000.

Turning to the Karnaphuli Tunnel project, he claimed luxurious apartments had been built unnecessarily on the other side of the tunnel at a cost of several billion taka.

He further alleged that Tk 500 million had been withdrawn for roadside tree plantations that auditors never found.

The prime minister also referred to Patuakhali, saying local lawmakers had sought road repairs, but inquiries revealed Tk 350 billion from a single ministry had disappeared “on paper” without any visible work.

“There are many more such incidents. Reality cannot be ignored,” he said.

Tarique said police officials had raised concerns over housing, transport and IT facilities, all of which required funding.

“We want to solve these problems,” he said, adding that inflated project costs had saddled every citizen with debt.

“The Padma Bridge alone cost Tk 540 billion to Tk 560 billion. Ultimately, this burden falls on all 200 million people.”

He said unnecessary spending had deprived sectors including education, health and the armed forces of better opportunities.

Tarique delivered the speech at the Shapla Hall of the PMO during Police Week 2026, inaugurated on Sunday at Rajarbagh Police Lines.