Major Projects Under the ICT Division Face Allegations of Mismanagement and Corruption
During the tenure of the now-defunct Awami League government, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implemented 22 projects worth approximately 250 billion BDT. These projects, mostly initiated in 2016, include controversial allocations and ongoing expenditures extending to 2027. Investigations have revealed irregularities and suspected misappropriations in several initiatives, with funds allegedly directed towards non-essential and politically motivated projects.
The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) implemented six projects worth 55 billion taka, including a 9.36 billion taka project to establish digital labs in educational institutions (second phase), a 59.23 billion taka project for enhancing digital connectivity (EDC), and a 2.87 billion taka project titled Empowering Women Through Technology (second phase).
Highlighted Project Costs and Allegations:
- Digital Presentation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Over 340 million BDT was spent on holographic projections, virtual reality experiences, websites, and chatbots showcasing the late leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Critics argue that these endeavors benefited close allies of the former ICT State Minister, Zunaid Ahmed Palak. - Key Projects and Suspected Corruption
- The Digital Connectivity Project (5.92 billion BDT) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Academy (2.71 billion BDT) have raised questions regarding unnecessary expense increases.
- Initiatives such as government video conferencing platform enhancement (490 million BDT) and development of digital entrepreneurship ecosystems (3.53 billion BDT) faced criticism for inflated budgets and subpar deliverables.
- High-Tech Parks and Training Centers
Large-scale projects like Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centers (2nd phase: 11.14 billion BDT) and Bangladesh-India Digital Service Training Centers (740 million BDT) came under scrutiny for questionable vendor selection and alleged fund mismanagement. - Cultural Initiatives via ICT Budgets
- The project for creating digital adaptations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy, such as the animation films “Khoka” (1.25 billion BDT for 93 minutes) and “Mujib Amar Pita” (309 million BDT for 40 minutes), involved unusually high production costs per minute.
- Special Initiatives under Investigation
Projects involving digital skills training and app development aimed at nationwide capacity-building reportedly diverted funds to produce content primarily focused on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family.
Allegations and Findings:
The investigative committee, comprising nine members and led by Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the ICT Division, has revealed widespread irregularities and evidence of corruption. A significant portion of funds allocated to several projects has been found misappropriated. Consequently, directives were issued to curtail unnecessary expenses, and 10 “dubious” projects have been canceled.
The ongoing investigation led by Additional Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has so far uncovered pervasive corruption and administrative negligence. Investigators have summoned 21 project directors (PDs) to provide explanations for budgetary anomalies and non-compliance with procurement protocols. Preliminary findings suggest a lack of transparency in awarding contracts and instances of substandard work.
The investigations have identified a pattern of funds being funneled into activities unrelated to the ICT sector’s stated objectives, such as promoting digital versions of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family through holographic projections, virtual reality presentations, and other platforms. Contracts were often awarded to individuals or entities closely associated with the former State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
Specific Projects Under Scrutiny
One notable project is the Mobile Game and Application Skill Development Project, initiated in 2016 with a budget of over 3.3 billion taka. Although its primary goal was to develop nationwide expertise in mobile game and app creation, significant portions of the funds were diverted for projects related to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family. For instance, over 10% of the funds were spent on digital content like a chatbot named Mujib Jiggyasa and an animation film titled Russell Sona, dedicated to Sheikh Mujib’s youngest son.
- The chatbot “Mujib Jiggyasha” cost 7.1 million BDT, though critics argue it offers basic features achievable at a fraction of the cost using readily available AI solutions.
- An animation film titled “Russell Sona” cost nearly 29.8 million BDT for 23 minutes, equating to 1.3 million BDT per minute.
Other expenses under scrutiny include:
- 7.98 million taka for a digital Bangabandhu Dictionary, with its purpose and use unclear.
- 208.9 million taka for holographic projections of Sheikh Mujib’s historic March 7 speech.
These projects often featured inflated costs for minimal outputs, raising questions about their necessity and the transparency of procurement processes.
Industry Response and Criticism
Prominent voices in the ICT industry, including former BASIS (Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services) presidents Syed Almas Kabir and Fahim Mashroor, have questioned the relevance of many of these projects under the ICT Division. They argue that projects like holographic displays and animation films could have been handled by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs instead of the ICT Division. Furthermore, these projects fail to align with the core objectives of the ICT sector: technological development, job creation, and skill enhancement.
Conclusion
The investigative findings have unveiled significant financial mismanagement and alleged favoritism in awarding contracts under the guise of technological development. As the committee continues to probe these projects, the potential cancellation of further initiatives and accountability for past irregularities remains a pressing issue. These revelations call into question the efficacy of governance and project oversight during the previous administration. As the probe deepens, the fallout includes the cancellation of 10 ongoing projects and potential penalties for implicated officials. These revelations have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight of government expenditures.
