ACC to Investigate Missing 1,600 EVM Machines and Corruption Allegations

Allegations of Tk. 4,000 Crore Wastage and Missing EVM Machines Spark ACC Investigation

Online Desk:

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has announced its decision to take action following the discovery of irregularities in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) project, initiated in 2018 by the Election Commission (EC). The ACC investigation revealed that 1,600 EVM machines are unaccounted for, and most of the remaining machines are reportedly substandard and non-functional.

The government spent Tk. 3,825 crore on the EVM project, with each machine costing Tk. 2.35 lakh. Although the machines were supposed to function for at least ten years, many became unusable before that period. The ACC has held the government responsible for wasting Tk. 4,000 crore, with plans to prosecute individuals and consultants involved in the project.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain stated on Monday (January 27) that the investigation into the EVM project uncovered major lapses in maintenance and quality. He emphasized that many machines appeared non-operational due to mechanical defects, indicating the use of substandard materials.

Corruption Allegations in Airport Development Projects

On the same day, the ACC filed four separate cases alleging the embezzlement of Tk. 812 crore in development projects at Shahjalal International Airport and other airports in Bangladesh. The accused include Tarique Siddique, a former military adviser to the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Secretary of Aviation Mohibul Haque, and former Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority M Mafidur Rahman.

According to the ACC, Tarique Siddique and others allegedly facilitated the awarding of airport project contracts to local firm Aerones International Limited under the guise of foreign contractors. This resulted in the misappropriation of approximately Tk. 200 crore.

Md. Akhter Hossain stated, "We have registered a case against 10 individuals today under relevant sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act for misappropriating funds through Aerones International Limited."

The ACC aims to hold those involved accountable and recover the misappropriated funds. Investigations into both the EVM project and the airport development projects are ongoing.