BFUJ Chief Claims ICT Corruption Cover-up in Secretariat Fire
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury has alleged that the Secretariat fire was deliberately set to destroy documents exposing corruption in the ICT sector. He further remarked that if the government takes initiative now, retrieving those documents would not be too difficult.
He made the statement on Saturday, August 16, while addressing a seminar held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka. The event featured the screening of July Documentary and a discussion in remembrance of the martyrs of the historic July 36 Uprising.
In his special address, Kader Gani Chowdhury said, “Over the past 15 years, the country’s ICT sector has been nothing but a plundering ground. Looting of 250 billion taka has taken place in this sector. Evidence of massive corruption has been found in 21 projects. Under the guise of digitalization and smart initiatives, widespread corruption occurred. Some individuals within BASIS were directly and indirectly involved in this corruption. Hasina’s son Joy and Palak were behind this corruption. Therefore, I demand a white paper on the plundering of this sector.”
He added, “People have sacrificed their lives to eradicate such corruption and to establish a humane Bangladesh. For the last 16 years, thousands have given their lives. On the 24th was born a shining independence; a second victory. This has ignited light among the people and raised expectations. We want a welfare state where all citizens enjoy equal rights. It will not run on the whims of one person but on the will of the people.”
Among others, BNP Chairperson’s advisor and former Deputy Mayor Abdus Salam, AB Party Joint Secretary Nasrin Sultana Mili, and Rowshan Kamal James were present at the program.
The event, organized by the BASIS July 36 Celebration Committee under the slogan of Reform, Transparency, and Integrity, also featured a six-point declaration. The declaration called for freeing BASIS from occupation, ensuring transparency and accountability, and pledged unity to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs. It also proposed reforms including membership audit, financial audit, and constitutional restructuring.
