The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened a probe into alleged large-scale embezzlement and money laundering linked to the repair and maintenance of the Simultaneous Interpretation System (SIS) at the Jatiya Sangsad, implicating Zahidur Rahim Joarder, CEO of Communication Technology Ltd, and several Public Works Department (PWD) officials.
ACC Assistant Director Probir Kumar Das is conducting the probe, according to official documents.
The allegation states Zahidur used political influence during the tenure of the previous government to secure contracts related to the Simultaneous Interpretation System (SIS) installed at the plenary hall of the Jatiya Sangsad.
He is accused of maintaining close ties with former Chief Whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury, also a cousin of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as with relatives of former Health Minister Zahid Malik.
Leveraging these connections, he allegedly secured contracts for operating, repairing, renovating and maintaining the SIS sound system during the AL tenure and misappropriated hundreds of crores of taka, while siphoning funds abroad.
The allegation also points to alleged irregularities in the health sector, where medical equipment was reportedly procured through over-invoicing, enabling the laundering of large sums overseas.
Following damage to the SIS at the Sangsad Bhaban after August 5, 2024, the PWD initiated steps to restore the system. Communication Technology Ltd reportedly inspected the equipment, claimed it could be repaired and submitted a cost estimate.
The company later sought Tk 11.25 lakh from the PWD to cover expenses related to engineers’ visits, accommodation, meals and honorarium for conducting the inspection.
The allegation further states that although the SIS system – manufactured under the SURE brand – has unique technical specifications and no comparable system is currently available, the company continued efforts to secure funds on the pretext of repairs.
The ACC said some PWD officials and engineers were allegedly involved in the irregularities even prior to August 5, 2024, and that through their collusion, the outdated system has been repeatedly repaired as a means to misappropriate public funds.
An estimated Tk 9.7 crore had been proposed for the repair, renovation and maintenance of the SIS at the parliament’s plenary hall after the 2024 mass uprising.
The SIS is a specialised audio system used for real-time translation during parliamentary sessions and international meetings.
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