ACC reviewing alleged wrongs in Gumti-Meghna Bridge toll contract

Meghna-Gumti Bridge at Daudkandi

Dhaka, Oct 12 – Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) is going to take legal steps against Computer Network Systems Limited (CNS Ltd) as questions have been raised over the appointment process and payment structure.

CNS Ltd was appointed as the toll collection contractor for the Meghna-Gomti Bridge in 2016, following the cancellation of a previous tender and the subsequent issuance of a "single-source" procurement.

ACC Assistant Director Tanjil Hasan filed a case with Dhaka Coordinated Office-1, naming Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet members, and high officials.

ACC deputy director Akhtarul Islam said the directors of CNS Ltd, officials and employees of the Roads and Highways Department and the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, members of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, and the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who approved the committee’s decision, allegedly colluded to abuse government power for personal gain or to benefit others, and by means of deception failed to properly discharge their entrusted duties.

Through such actions, they are accused of misappropriating government funds in a manner punishable under Sections 409, 420, and 109 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Akhtarul also said.

According to official documents and financial comparisons, the earlier joint venture of MBEL-ATT had operated the computerized toll collection system from 2010 to 2015 at a total cost of Tk 15.58 crore.

In contrast, CNS Ltd was reportedly awarded a five-year contract (2016–2020) under a service charge model — receiving 17.75% of total toll revenue (excluding VAT and IT). Over the period, the company received approximately Tk 489.43 crore as payment.

For the following period (2022–2025), UDC Construction Limited was engaged for a three-year term under a Real-Time Web-Based system at Tk 67.54 crore, which would amount to about Tk 112.58 crore if adjusted to a five-year scale.

Records also show that CNS Ltd claimed Tk 67.43 crore for new technology installation and infrastructure expenses. Based on comparative calculations, the total government expenditure under the CNS contract appears significantly higher than comparable periods, sparking calls for a deeper review.

Sources within the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry said the 2016 appointment was made following the cancellation of an earlier tender, and through discussions solely with CNS Ltd under the “single-source” procurement method.

Investigative agencies are reportedly reviewing whether the process complied with public procurement regulations and whether the government incurred financial losses due to the contractual structure.

Officials involved in the 2016 procurement process including senior figures from the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, and other agencies — may be asked to clarify procedural justifications if formal inquiries proceed.

As of now, no formal charges have been filed. The Ministry has not issued any official statement regarding the matter. Attempts to reach CNS Ltd for comment were not immediately successful. - UNB