Wasa's former MD banned from leaving the country

Ex-Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka WASA Taksim A Khan has been banned from leaving the country. On Thursday (August 22), the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court banned him from traveling abroad for 60 days.

Apart from the Special Superintendent of Immigration Branch, Bangladesh Police Special Branch (Malibag Branch) has already been instructed to take necessary measures in this regard. Along with this, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been asked to send a copy of the order to take necessary action along with the notification.

During the reign of Taksim A Khan, several projects were taken up in Dhaka Wasa with foreign loan money. As a result, Dhaka WASA has to spend a large amount of money in paying the interest and installments of the loan. At present, Dhaka Wasa's foreign debt in various projects is around Tk 19 thousand crores.

Taksim A Khan was appointed as Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Wasa for the first time in 2009. After that, his tenure gradually increased. He was appointed for another three years for the seventh time in August last year. Despite the allegations of corruption and irregularities, there are questions about keeping Taksim in the same position for a long time.

In the last 15 years, Taksim A Khan was in sole power in Dhaka Wasa. According to the WASA Act, Dhaka WASA is supposed to be managed as per the board's decision. However, Taksim managed Dhaka Wasa by bypassing the board in many cases. There was a conflict with the chairman of the board. Nothing happened to Taksim. Rather, the former chairman of the organization, Golam Mustafa, had to step down after complaining to the ministry against his irregularities, waste and corruption.

As the MD of Dhaka Wasa, Taksim's monthly salary is Tk 6 lakh 25 thousand. During the latest corona epidemic, the salary of Wasar MD was increased by a quarter of 2 lakh taka.

Many WASA officials said that there are many allegations of irregularities and corruption against Taksim A Khan. ACC investigation is ongoing and a case has been recommended against him. Taksim A Khan holds a US passport. There are also fears that he may leave the country at any time.

Bangladesh /FM