Thursday 10th of October 2024
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Headlines : * Bangladesh protests killing of Bangladeshi national by BSF   * Bangladesh is unique example of communal harmony: Mirza Fakhrul   * 400,000 trapped by Israel’s latest Gaza offensive   * Flood in 3 north-eastern districts: 10 die, 2.3 lakh people affected   * Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors   * Export earnings increase by 6.78pc in Sept   * Jamaat proposes restoration of caretaker government system   * Durga Puja not only a festival of Hindus, rather it`s a festival of all: Yunus   * Automation initiative launched at Ctg port   * Continuous rain worsens M`singh flood, 25 more villages submerged  

  Latest News
Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors
Bangladesh protests killing of Bangladeshi national by BSF
Bangladesh is unique example of communal harmony: Mirza Fakhrul
400,000 trapped by Israel’s latest Gaza offensive
Flood in 3 north-eastern districts: 10 die, 2.3 lakh people affected
Export earnings increase by 6.78pc in Sept
Jamaat proposes restoration of caretaker government system
Durga Puja not only a festival of Hindus, rather it`s a festival of all: Yunus
JnU student found hanging at Goran house
Import-Export throught Hili Land Port shut for 6 days
Indian special powers act extended in 4 Assam districts
23 new HC judges take oath
India eye series win against Bangladesh in second T20I in Delhi
               
UN adopts Pakistan-backed resolution condemning desecration of religious symbols, holy books
Ukraine to get positive message on membership: Nato Boss
Turkey backs Sweden`s Nato membership
Unity will be tested at Vilnius NATO summit
        '' - More News
                National
Bangladesh protests killing of Bangladeshi national by BSF
Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors
Durga Puja not only a festival of Hindus, rather it`s a festival of all: Yunus
JnU student found hanging at Goran house
        'National' - More News
                Politics
Rizvi for elections soon to restore democracy
Bangladesh is unique example of communal harmony: Mirza Fakhrul
Jamaat proposes restoration of caretaker government system
Identify dictator`s allies in administration: Rizvi
        'Politics' - More News
   E-paper
News Archive
               Business ...
Corruption in RHD projects devours up to Tk 50,835cr in 15 years: TIB

(BSS) - About Taka 29,230 to Taka 50,835 crore was

plundered from the projects of Roads and Highways Division (RHD) in the last
15 years, says a new study of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

Through the tripartite collusion of politicians, contractors, and high-level
officials, 23 to 40 percent of the total value of road and bridge-related
construction works between the fiscal years 2009-10 and 2023-24 was
attributed to corruption, the study shows.

The research report titled "Good Governance Challenges in the Implementation
of Roads and Highways` Development Projects." study was revealed at a press
conference at TIB office in the capital.

In light of the research findings, the TIB proposed 16 recommendations to
address the challenges of good governance in development projects implemented
under the Roads and Highways Department.


The study reveals that the development policy framework, government
procurement system, and project implementation processes in the road and
highway sector have been manipulated through the coordinated exertions of
politicians, bureaucrats, and contractors.

This has led to violations of laws, irregularities, and corruption driven by
conflicts of interest and political misconduct at various stages of project
formulation and execution under the Roads and Highways Department.

Serious deficiencies in all aspects of good governance were identified.
Corruption has become institutionalised in the implementation of road and
highway development projects due to this tripartite collusion. Between 23 and
40 percent of the total value of construction works related to roads and
bridges is lost to corruption involving bribes, tender manipulation, work
order sales, political extortion, and other forms of illicit dealings, the
study says.

The research indicates that bribery accounts for 11 to 14 percent in
obtaining construction work orders and contractors` bills. Additionally,
corruption through the tripartite collusion of politicians, contractors, and
high-level officials ranges from 10 to 20 percent in construction work,
including tender license rentals, sale of work orders, compromises, and
local-level political extortion, which has been observed at rates of 2 to 6
percent.

The study also shows that through collusion among contractors, the top 15
contracting firms have dominated procurement system of the Roads and Highways
Department over the past decade. From fiscal 2013-14 to fiscal 2023-24, these
firms secured road and bridge construction work orders worth approximately
Taka 57,000 crore through the e-GP (Electronic Government Procurement)
process alone. This represents about 72 percent of the total value of
construction work orders awarded through the e-GP system during this period.

Speaking at the press conference, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman
said development projects have turned into a way for certain groups to amass
cash as a result of the cooperation of dishonest contractors, bureaucrats,
and politicians.

"Our research indicates that corruption in road and highway development
projects ranges from 23 to 40 percent, with project costs being 2 to 9 times
higher than those in South Asia and neighboring countries. It is essential to
dismantle this tripartite nexus and ensure accountability for those involved.
It is essential to establish an environment in which legal violations are
effectively managed, particularly through the proper execution of procurement
policies," he said.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said no matter how extensively corruption is debated, it
will remain unaddressed unless "we tackle the systematic practice of awarding
contracts to selected contractors through political and bureaucratic
coordination, taking advantage of privileges and legal gaps".

He stressed the need for bringing all those involved in irregularities and
corruption in this sector to justice and ensuring exemplary punishment for
them.

Emphasising on the formulation and importance of the `conflict of interest`
law, the TIB chief said, "If the tripartite tyranny of politics, bureaucracy,
and business is not dismantled, we risk reverting to an authoritarian system
that shields corruption. However, a shift in political and bureaucratic
culture, coupled with the reform of long-standing institutional norms, has
the potential to break the cycle of anomalies and corruption."

In light of the research findings, TIB`s 16-point recommendations include
formulating a `Conflict of Interest Law` to prevent personal gain, nepotism,
and irregularities in all government activities; ensuring that this law is
reflected in the rules and regulations governing the implementation of road
and highway development projects; enforcing relevant laws, regulations, and
guidelines at every stage of project implementation; streamlining the
decision-making process for road and highway development; identifying and
holding accountable politicians, officials, and contractors involved in
irregularities and corruption at various stages of project execution;
formulating development project proposals based on priority to ensure
effective evaluation and proper management while incorporating the opinions
of relevant stakeholders; reforming the guidelines for project formulation,
processing, approval, and amendments in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations; completing all project-related procurement activities through
the e-GP process; and mandating feasibility studies conducted by qualified,
experienced professionals in the formulation of all development projects.

TIB Adviser- Executive Management Prof. Dr. Sumaiya Khair, TIB Director
Muhammand Badiuzzaman, Senior Research Fellow Md. Julkarnayeen and Research
Associate Md. Mostafa Kamal attended the press conference moderated by TIB
Director Mohammad Tauhidul Islam.

Salehuddin urges public not to be ‘impatient’ as inflation lowers
Export earnings increase by 6.78pc in Sept
Govt cancels LNG terminal deal with Summit Group
Govt permits import of 40.5m eggs
TotalEnergies plans to grow oil and gas production until 2030
Businessmen at risk, facing serious threats
Meta says to produce virtual reality headsets in Vietnam
Google to invest $1 billion in Thailand
Tech industry urges G7 to unify cloud security standards
     'Business' - More News
                Bangladesh
Flood in 3 north-eastern districts: 10 die, 2.3 lakh people affected
Continuous rain worsens M`singh flood, 25 more villages submerged
Durga Puja to be celebrated at 31,461 mandaps countrywide
One electrocuted in Rajbari
    'Bangladesh' - More News
                International
400,000 trapped by Israel’s latest Gaza offensive
Indian special powers act extended in 4 Assam districts
At least two killed, 30 injured, in latest Russian attacks on Kharkiv
Govt to ensure peaceful celebration of festivals of minorities: Mahfuj
Indian Kashmir elects first regional government in a decade
Hopfield and Hinton win 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics
    'International' - More News

                Wildlife
Scientists find crocodile `virgin birth` at Costa Rica zoo
Unrelenting CASOs make Kashmiris’ life miserable
Muslims mourn burning of historic library at madressah in India’s Bihar
Stress Seen As Major Cause of Indian Military Fratricides, Suicides
New authoritarian is unfolding in India
Modi’s Hindutva Agenda Revealed
   'Wildlife' - More News
                Sports
India eye series win against Bangladesh in second T20I in Delhi
Australia thrash Kiwis with dominant bowling display
   'Sports' - More News
                Entertainment
Netflix loses bid to toss `Baby Reindeer` defamation lawsuit
Govinda hospitalised after sustaining bullet injury on leg
Bollywood`s `King Khan` steals show at Indian film awards
Lady Gaga plants lipstick smile on `Mona Lisa` in Louvre clip
   'Entertainment' - More News

                Law & Justice
Turkish aid agency furnishes religious school ````
Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh""` Assalamua`laikum
Turkish aid agency furnishes religious school ````
Assalamua`laikum ```iggddrvhsrvugdf
India Naval Officers Languish in Qatar Jail
Mamunul placed on 7-day fresh remand
   'Law & Justice' - More News
                More News
September 26 frenzy: What`s really behind the hype?
Ozempic could delay ageing, researchers suggest
   'More News' - More News
                Capital News
35 arrested in anti-drug drives in city
Azizul Islam Bhuiyan assumes editorship at The Daily People’s Life
Residents of Kazi Bari of Ward No. 40 of DNCC have been suffering for ten years
Aarshikatha sets Intl liter-cultural conference in Dhaka
   'Capital News' - More News
                Politics
Rizvi for elections soon to restore democracy
Jamaat proposes restoration of caretaker government system
Identify dictator`s allies in administration: Rizvi
Saber Hossain placed on 5-day remand
Jamaat will unveil its reforms, election roadmap Oct 9: Ameer


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   'Features' - More News
                Wildlife
                Asia
Indian FM Jaishankar to visit Pakistan on Oct 15 for SCO summit
Gandhi accuses Modi of favoring Adani and Ambani, destroying India’s employment system
Pakistan, Russia Ink Historic Trade Deal
Indian Kashmir votes in final round of regional polls
Digital siege in IIOJK: A human rights crisis hidden behind internet blackouts
NIA raids in Tamil Nadu spark outcry over targeting of Muslims amid growing intimidation
   'Asia' - More News

                Business Icon
Tesla nearly doubles deliveries compared to last year
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   'Business Icon' - More News
                Political Icon
   'Political Icon' - More News
                Diplomat
World stands for Israel, though they see and know how it exterminates the Palestinians
Saudi Embassy in Dhaka arranged Iftar party for diplomats
PM Shehbaz Sharif felicitates PM Sheikh Hasina on the National Day of Bangladesh
   'Diplomat' - More News
                Technology
10 Tips to Find the Best Mattress Manufacturer
Apple unveils new iPhone 16 with shift into AI
Brazil judge threatens to suspend X within 24 hours
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Nahid asks BTRC to provide free fuel for Feni mobile towers
   'Technology' - More News

                Bangladesh
Flood in 3 north-eastern districts: 10 die, 2.3 lakh people affected
Durga Puja to be celebrated at 31,461 mandaps countrywide
One electrocuted in Rajbari
9 get life-term in Rajshahi murder case
Elderly man drowns in Netrakona

                Media
Jailed Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj wins human rights journalism award
Elton John joins elite EGOT ranks with Emmy win
Hollywood celebrates strike end as actors get back to work
Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
California Love: Tupac honored with star in Hollywood
   'Media' - More News
                Features
Small transitional habits that help you get better sleep
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   'Features' - More News
                Education
HSC, equivalent exam results to be published Oct 15
Bangladesh Open University cancels HSC exams
10 DU teachers in global list of top 2% scientists
Shuchita Sharmin appointed as first female VC of Barishal University
DU resumes classes after 3-month
   'Education' - More News
                Job
   'Job' - More News



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