JS body asks defence ministry to clear Tk 4.0b audit objections

A parliamentary watchdog recommended Tuesday the defence ministry settle 10 audit objections involving about Tk 4.0 billion in the fiscal years between 2006 and 2012.

The Public Accounts committee of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) asked the Military Estate Office to settle the objections in the next three months.

The committee found that the government incurred a loss of Tk 2.30 billion as the authority used A-1 category land for the commercial purpose without leasing it, depriving the state exchequer of lease money, income tax and VAT.

The authority did not realise Tk 695.2 million in annual land revenue from an 'A-1' category land as it was not leased. The authority did not deposit the money amounted to Tk 401.33 million to the state exchequer earned from various sources.

The committee asked the estate to settle the audit objections within next three months along with documents.

The suggestions came at the 82nd meeting of the committee with committee chairman Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir in the chair.

The committee found that the government incurred a loss of Tk 211.68 million as the Dhaka Cantonment Board approved commercial use of various structures, land, lake and water bodies without leasing the assets.

Besides, an amount of Tk 24.69 million loss was incurred as the Broadway building was leased lower than the market value.

The audit objection of Tk 83.62 million was also raised due to the mismanagement of the board and wastage of fund.

The government incurred a loss of Tk 49.64 million as the authority spent the money earned from land and other sources beyond the purview of the board, while an amount of Tk 195.28 million loss was recorded as the authority did not realise income tax and VAT from various companies.

The committee suggested settling the audit objection involving a large amount of loss as the authorities concerned used the 'A-1' category land unlawfully and without leasing, and did not realise the rent of community centre from the DOHS council.

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