ACC Investigates Alleged Corruption in a2i Project
A three-member delegation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visited the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon to investigate alleged corruption within the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) project. The investigation aims to determine whether irregularities and mismanagement led to the misappropriation of public funds. The team is reviewing the involvement of individuals in project activities and examining instances of financial misconduct.
During the inspection, the ACC team found evidence of irregularities in procurement. Upon reviewing procurement documents, it was revealed that three to four specific companies repeatedly received contracts. Following the investigation, ACC Assistant Director Raju Ahmed stated, "Our findings indicate that irregularities and corruption were pervasive at every stage of the project, involving 14 individuals. The same companies were awarded contracts repeatedly, and public funds were misappropriated through unnecessary expenditures and other means."
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, he further mentioned that the activities of certain officials were scrutinized. Relevant documents were requisitioned to review the recruitment process. Companies such as Tapware, OrangeBD, and Synthesis IT were identified as frequent contract recipients, and their selection process is being assessed for legitimacy. The investigation will require additional time.
When asked about political affiliations in the irregularities, he responded that no such links had yet been identified. However, concerns were raised regarding irregularities in a project named NISE. Additionally, legal issues were found in the EkPay platform, particularly regarding the absence of approval from Bangladesh Bank. The ACC obtained documents related to EkPay accounts under the names of Naser Mia and Tohrul Islam.
Regarding the 14 accused officials, the ACC investigation team noted that some had involvement in the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system. Additionally, numerous activities were incorporated into the revised Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP) without proper justification. "We need further verification to assess these inclusions," they stated. The revised project budget was increased from Tk 455 crore to Tk 855 crore, prompting the need for further scrutiny of financial records.
Notably, the Access to Information (a2i) project was launched in 2006 with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh to facilitate the country’s digital transformation. In 2020, the project was rebranded as Aspire to Innovate (a2i), and its duration has been extended multiple times. As per the latest decision, the project is set to conclude in 2025.
