GK Shamim scam: ACC to quiz 11 PWD engineers

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Bangla Tribune Report
Published : 19:10, Dec 10, 2019 | Updated : 19:17, Dec 10, 2019

RAB raided GK Shamim`s construction firm GK Builder`s offices after picking him up from his home at the Niketon Residential area in the capital`s Gulshan on Sept 20. FILE PHOTO/Nashirul IslamThe Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC will quiz 11 Public Works Department (PWD), including its Additional Chief Engineer Utpal Kumar Dey, over its investigation into controversial contractor SM Golam Kibria Shamim alias GK Shamim.

According to people familiar with the investigation, Shamim led a "syndicate" of contractors who paid the money to influence appointment and postings at the PWD to secure government contractors. 

Sources at the graft watchdog say a seven-strong probe panel led by ACC Director (special investigations) Syed Iqbal Hossain will question the PWD engineers on Dec 18, 19 and 23.

Investigators found that Shamim colluded with these 11 PWD officials to manipulate tenders and secure government contract, according to sources.

Shamim made a fortune by “illegally” winning government jobs reportedly by identifying himself as Narayanganj Awami League vice president and Jubo League central committee’s cooperatives affairs secretary.

In an ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling operations, tender-manipulation and extortion, Shamim was arrested on Sept 20 along with his seven bodyguards on charges related to drugs and illegal arms.

The Rapid Action Battalion made the arrests after the recovery of about Tk 20 million in cash, Tk 1.75 billion worth of fixed-deposit receipt (FDR) savings, alcohol and firearms in a raid on his home and office in Dhaka.

A month later, on Oct 21, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecuted him on charges of accumulating illegal wealth. The graft watchdog grilled him for five days in custody and he is since in jail.  

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