Dhaka, Feb 18 (V7N) – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formed a five-member committee to investigate a $700 million fraud in the health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to ACC sources, the decision follows a recent World Bank investigation report, which detailed widespread irregularities in procurement during the pandemic. The ACC has now taken steps to address the corruption that went unpunished during the previous government.

The report, which surfaced in the media on Monday, highlighted that during the COVID-19 crisis, ministries, hospitals, and other health institutions were mired in corruption and irregularities, making it difficult for people to access healthcare services.

The investigation found that in April 2020, Bangladesh signed a $600 million agreement with the World Bank to combat COVID-19, with an additional $100 million provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. However, significant portions of these funds were allegedly misused.

Dr. Iqbal Kabir, then Director and Project Director (PD) of the Health Department, is accused of awarding contracts improperly for masks, PPE, hospital equipment, public awareness advertisements, and app development. Irregularities have also been found in the operations of six companies that received contracts under his tenure. However, Dr. Kabir has denied all allegations.

Prominent Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Syed Mahsib Hossain has advised the ACC to take action in accordance with the law based on the findings of the investigation report.

With the ACC’s five-member committee now leading the probe, further developments are expected in the coming weeks as the agency works to hold those responsible accountable for misusing pandemic relief funds.

END/MSS/AJ