The Local Government Division has requested Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority to provide documents related to the appointments of its ousted managing director, Taqsem A Khan, along with details of deputy managing directors of DWASA and their promotions during his 15-year tenure.
The LGD, a division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, has also sought internal or external investigation reports, if any, related to irregularities or complaints of syndicate activities under Taqsem鈥檚 leadership.
The division requested DWASA to provide the documents as the Anti-Corruption Commission sought information on Taqsem to LGD. ACC is now probing against the ex-DWASA MD.
On August 19, the ACC sent a letter to the Ministry of LGRD and Co-operatives, requesting information on irregularities, corruption, and the alleged embezzlement of crores of taka by Taqsem through various projects.
The ACC also sought information regarding the alleged syndicate involved in appointments under Taqsem鈥檚 leadership.
Taqsem, who was appointed as the MD in 2009, had his term extended seven times before finally resigning on August 14, following prime minister Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 resignation and fleeing to India amid a student-led mass uprising on August 5.
On August 19, the ACC formed an inquiry committee, headed by assistant director Mahbubul Alam, to investigate multiple allegations against Taqsem.
These include violation of rules in his reappointments and allegations of embezzling significant funds from several projects.
Further allegations suggested that Taqsem inflated project costs, colluded in contractor appointments, accepted bribes, and showed favoritism in hiring.
Responding to a petition filed by the ACC, a Metropolitan Senior Special Judge鈥檚 Court in Dhaka on August 22 imposed a 60-day travel ban on Taqsem.
In May 2023, the commission recommended filing a case against him and nine others for appointing individuals illegally.
Although this case was initially blocked due to Taqsem鈥檚 influence, the recommendation is now under renewed consideration.