Dhaka Wasa asks media outlets for evidence of corruption

Allegations against Dhaka Wasa include corruption in some projects worth over Tk3,000 cr.

Allegations against Dhaka Wasa include corruption in some projects worth over Tk3,000 crore, illegal appointments, unauthorized promotions and embezzlement of funds
The Dhaka Water Supply And Sewerage Authority (Wasa) has written to several media outlets asking for evidence of corruption in its projects.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Dhaka Wasa only sent letters to media houses that had reported on alleged irregularities reported on Wednesday.
One such letter was sent to an editor of a leading daily on Sunday.
In the letter, Dhaka Wasa asked the outlet for evidence proving allegations of corruption in its projects involving Tk3,000 crore.
“Your leading daily has published news about corruption in projects and recruitment of Dhaka Wasa. Such news is creating a negative impact on the activities of Dhaka Wasa among the public and its respected customers.
“You published the report in a way that it seems you have sufficient evidence. Evidence is very important to ensure the highest punishment for those involved in corruption and for the sake of fair investigation,” the letter read.
Dhaka Wasa Deputy Chief Public Information Officer AM Mustafa Tarek said: "Letters have not been sent to all media outlets, only a few of them."
Dhaka Wasa has written to outlets that regularly publish reports on the agency's corruption, he said.
"We have asked for evidence of corruption very sincerely. They must submit the evidence if they have it.”
Earlier, on October 29, Dhaka Wasa denied allegations of corruption in its projects involving thousands of crores of taka.
In a notice on Friday, Dhaka Wasa said there was no chance of corruption in its projects due to strict monitoring and adherence to international standards.
The notice criticized the media for publishing a series of reports on “false allegations of so-called corruption” and asked the aggrieved persons to submit evidence and related documents to its office. It assured the complainants that their identities would be kept secret.
According to media reports, the allegations against Dhaka Wasa include corruption in some projects worth over Tk3,000 crore, illegal appointments, unauthorized promotions and embezzlement of funds.
On October 26, Dhaka Wasa formed a six-member committee to investigate the allegations published by various media outlets. The probe body was asked to submit its report in 15 working days.