Rooppur Recruitment Row: High Court Orders Probe into Alleged Irregularities

The High Court has directed the formation of an investigation committee, headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, to probe allegations of irregularities in the appointment of six officials under the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The committee has been instructed to complete its inquiry and submit a report to the court within eight weeks.

In addition, the court has issued a rule asking why the alleged inaction of the concerned officials in investigating the recruitment irregularities should not be declared illegal.

The order was passed on Sunday, February 22, by a High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar after a preliminary hearing of the writ petition. Advocate Masud Ahmed Saeed Shibly represented the petitioner during the hearing.

The public interest litigation was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Sakina Begum. Following the hearing, the court ordered the formation of the probe committee and issued the rule.

According to the writ petition, based on recruitment circulars issued in 2019 and 2023, Miraj Al Mamun, Rabiul Alam, Al Mamun, A K M Nazmul Hasan, Mushfika Ahmed and Abu Kaysar were appointed to various positions under the project. However, the petition alleges that the appointees lacked the necessary work experience and that the entire recruitment process was conducted in a non-transparent manner.

Advocate Masud Ahmed Saeed Shibly, representing the petitioner, told the court that there is a possibility of corruption and irregularities in the recruitment process, which requires verification through an impartial investigation.

As per the court’s directive, the investigation committee will complete its inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and submit its report accordingly.

DBTech/ZNO/EK/OR