Video surfaces of Bangladesh government official soliciting project kickbacks
Photo Collected
A government official in Bangladesh’s Panchagarh district has sparked public outcry after a video surfaced online appearing to show him demanding 15 percent kickbacks from local development project funds. Babul Chandra Roy, the Project Implementation Officer (PIO) for Debiganj upazila, was recorded in his office calculating and soliciting bribes from project chairmen and union council members.
The 4-minute and 48-second video, which circulated on social media platforms this Monday, captures Roy using a calculator to determine the exact cash amount required for various schemes, including wheat distribution projects. In the recording, Roy calculates a 15 percent commission on a project budget of 256,000 taka, demanding 38,000 taka from the project implementer. When the individual pleads that the project yielded little profit, Roy dismisses the concern, stating that “members never profit.”
During the exchange, other individuals in the room attempt to negotiate lower rates for smaller projects. In one instance, a man mentions a project worth 162,000 taka, to which Roy promptly calculates a 24,000 taka commission. When the individual argues that they have completed 100 percent of the work and have had limited time in office due to previous administrative constraints, Roy remains unmoved, insisting on the standardized percentage.
A union council member present during the encounter, who spoke to the local press on condition of anonymity, confirmed the authenticity of the meeting. He stated that approximately eight to ten people were in the office at the time and noted that while some projects require high-quality output, officials often withhold payments until bribes are paid. He further alleged that while the PIO demanded 15 percent, he has been known to take between 5 and 7 percent in other instances.
In response to the allegations, Babul Chandra Roy denied wrongdoing. He claimed that the calculations captured in the video were related to value-added tax, income tax, and labor costs, rather than bribes. He suggested that individuals who failed to perform their duties often make false accusations and invited authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into his conduct.
Panchagarh District Administrator Shukriya Parveen confirmed that officials are aware of the footage. She stated that the Debiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer has been instructed to launch an official inquiry into the matter. Authorities have pledged to take disciplinary action pending the outcome of the investigation.
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