State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Saturday alleged that former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan approved project-related files without obtaining the required signature from the secretary concerned.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, the state minister said the government would investigate allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities committed in the Local Government Division and its affiliated agencies during both the Awami League government and the interim administration.
He announced the formation of a seven-member investigation committee led by the director general of the Local Government Division. The committee has been tasked with reviewing activities and financial dealings carried out between 2009 and 2026 and submitting a report within 60 working days.
Mir Shahe Alam claimed that serious irregularities had occurred in several development projects, particularly in Pirojpur District. According to him, around Tk60 billion was withdrawn after tenders were awarded despite little or no visible progress in the projects.
He alleged that due to corruption and mismanagement, all major development projects in Pirojpur have remained suspended for nearly two years. The government, he said, plans to conduct field-level inspections soon to assess the situation and resume stalled works.
The state minister further alleged that similar corruption and irregularities took place in road and bridge construction projects in different districts across the country.
He said the investigation aims to identify those responsible and ensure accountability for misuse of public funds and project delays.
