The work of GKB and Company, a construction firm, owned by the controversial Jubo League leader with alleged connections to illegal gambling, GK Shamim, has been stopped. For the company, GK Shamim implemented 17 government projects worth Tk 30 billion.
Most of the work done by Shamim has been done for the ministry of housing and works. Minister for housing and works, SM Rezaul Karim, said: “Since his bank accounts are closed, construction work is stalled.”
As a result, development work being done by the company will face uncertainties. Projects handled by the firm include: new buildings for secretariat worth Tk 1.5 billion, cabinet building for Tk 1.5 billion, NBR’s one worth Tk 4 billion, Science Museum worth Tk 1 billion, extension of Suhrawardy Bahaban worth Tk 4 billion, RAB headquarter for Tk 5 billion, Orthopedic Hospital at Tk 3.5 billion etc.
Manager of GKB and Company, Md Nazim says: “Currently, work at all sites is closed; the reason is that all bank accounts have been frozen; we are unable to pay the workers. The money at the office for day to day work was impounded by RAB.”
The elite force RAB began a crackdown on illegal gambling run illegally by sports clubs on Sept 18. In this drive, Dhaka city Jubo League leader (south) Khaled Mahmud Bhuiyan, was arrested followed by GK Shamim aka ‘Tender King’.
Shamim is now being questioned. Sources say that after the Prime Minister returns, a decision will be taken on the matter of development projects by GK Construction, which are currently suspended.
A report is also being prepared on the overall progress of the projects which will be sent to the PM.