Own representative: Officials, employees and brokers involved in bribery in Halishahar building project
A bribery worth crores of taka has been alleged against several officials and employees of the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) surrounding the approval of a construction project in the Halishahar Chhota Pul area of Chittagong city. It has been alleged that a company named Parfe Associates Limited has colluded with CDA officials and extorted a huge amount of money from the project owners.
From approval of 10-storey to 13-storey bribery
The investigation of CTG Post revealed that according to file no. 134/24, the CDA approved a 10-storey building for a plot owned by Nurullah Gong. But the project owner demanded 13 floors. Taking this opportunity, ‘Parfe Associates Limited’ got into bribery.
The owner of the company, Yusuf Shah Saju (45), introduced himself as a CDA engineer and took about 71 lakh taka in the first round. Later, the share of that money was shared by CDA Chief Engineer Kazi Hasan Bin Shams’ PA Md. Hossain, Engineer Nobel Mitra, Employee Naeem Uddin and some other officials. The call record in this regard is also with the reporter.
Confession of the accused and avoidance of liability
Admitting to taking bribes, Yusuf Shah Saju said –
Engineer Nobel Mitra, Employee Naeem Uddin and Chief Engineer PA Hossain are involved in this incident. Naeem Uddin and Hossain went to different places and recommended for approval of the 13th floor.
Employee Naeem Uddin avoided liability and said
The incident was in 2024. I do not know who took how much money. However, Yusuf Shah Saju and PA Hossain handled the matter.
PA Hossain, however, denied all the allegations and said
I do not know anything about taking money. I only recommended to the chairman of the building construction committee that the 13th floor be approved.
CDA Executive Engineer (Project) Md. Mahfuzur Rahman said
I have heard about such incidents. I have also received lobbying several times. I do not know who took how much money from where. I only showed the way for the approval process.
He also said that currently, Engineer Tanjib Hossain, the authorized officer of Halishahar Chhota Pool Zone, can provide details on this matter.
CDA Chairman Engineer Md. Nurul Karim said, “You prepare the news, give me evidence. If the allegations are proven, action will definitely be taken.”
Corruption cycle and urban development crisis There have been allegations of approval trade, lobbying and bribery in the urban development sector of Chittagong for a long time. Those concerned say that due to the lack of transparency in the CDA approval process, brokers and insider circles are taking advantage. Such bribery trade is not only harming the project owners, but is also threatening the planned development of the city.
Experts believe that if the CDA does not investigate the allegations and take strict action, there could be more major corruption incidents in the future.
