13 citizens demand expert committee to probe 'graft in river dredging'

Thirteen citizens from different professions has urged the government to form a high-powered and independent expert committee to investigate 'irregularities and corruption' in river dredging and silt removal, reports UNB.

They made the call to the government in a joint statement on Saturday, said a press release.

They have also demanded inclusion of water resources experts, environmentalists, senior journalists and representatives of civic group working on the development of inland water transport system, vessel owners and labour organisations, teachers of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and the University of Dhaka, in the investigation committee.

They alleged some officers and employees of BIWTA, including the powerful engineers of the dredging department, engaged in river excavation and silt removal, are becoming owners of huge wealth through rampant corruption.

The statement demanded to identify these corrupt people who are looting people's money, disclose their graft information and political identity and bring them under strict punishment.

Expressing intense anger The signatories to the statement are Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) vice-president SM Najer Hossain, former pro vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Prof Dr. Shahidullah Shikder, prominent environmentalist and former director general of water resources planning organisation engineer M. Inamul Haque, eminent children organiser and freedom fighter Nurur Rahman Selim, chief executive of Nagorik Uddog Zakir Hossain, Nirapad Noupath Bastabayan Andolan member secretary Aminur Rasul Babul, Udichi Shilpi Gosthi general secretary Amit Ranjan Dey, senior marine engineer Md. Abdul Hamid, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan (Bapa) joint Secretary Mihir Biswas, Poverty Emulation Assistance Center for Everywhere (PEACE) executive director Ifma Hussain, Dip Unnoyan Sangstha executive director and heroic freedom fighter Rafiqul Alam and Alokito Garments Shromik Federation president Bappidev Barman.