Project Implementation Officer (PIO) of Kushtia’s Mirpur Upazila Abdul Qaiyum Khan, has been demoted on charges of various irregularities and drug use. At the same time he was transferred from Mirpur to Barkal upazila of Rangamati.
As well as the allegations of drug use, he has been ordered to mandatory dope tests within a week.
Different sources said among, one of the allegations against him was irregularities on construction of 26 bridges in Mirpur upazila.
According to source, in 2018-19 financial year, tender was invited for the construction of 26 culvert cum bridges in Mirpur Upazila. All the tender forms were sold out in one day on June 20. It is alleged that, with the connivance of PIO Abdul Qaiyum, the local Awami League leaders deprived the general contractors and shared all the work themselves. The news was published in various media. The project’s PD joint secretary Abu Bakar Siddique wrote to the PIO on June 23 to respond to the letter within three working days alleging irregularities.
Later on July 8, a two-member investigation committee headed by the Joint Secretary was formed by the Disaster Management Department to further investigate.
The committee was headed by M Khalid Mahmud, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. They came to Mirpur in Kushtia for investigation. They came to the spot and found evidence of various irregularities and corruption by PIO. They also found evidences of his indiscriminate drug use.
A team from Kushtia district administration saw major irregularities in various projects including TR and Kabikha allotted during the tenure of the PIO. The allegation is also found to be true as he does not hold office regularly. Despite repeated pleas from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the district administration to hold regular office, he continued to act arbitrarily.
Mirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Lincoln Biswas said Qaiyum had been transferred.
Kushtia District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdur Rahman said action has been taken against him. He has been transferred too. The authority will decide what kind of action will be taken in next.
