An extensive investigation has revealed a complex web of corruption entangling Police Telecom, with former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed at its core.

Over eight years, Police Telecom has orchestrated 42 instances of machinery parts procurement, with bids recurrently awarded to the same trio of companies. Delwar Hossain, allegedly backed by Benazir, emerges as a central figure, clinching contracts an astonishing 41 times.

The investigation's findings paint a damning picture: Delwar's companies purportedly supplied products worth nearly Tk600 crore to Police Telecom, allegedly utilising substandard parts and inflating prices. The collusion between Delwar and influential figures within the police force has led to significant financial losses and compromised security measures.

The timeline reveals a calculated effort to consolidate Delwar's influence within Police Telecom, coinciding with Benazir's assumption of the role of Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2015. Benazir allegedly ensured Delwar's continuous success in winning contracts, solidifying his position as a major supplier to law enforcement and security agencies.

By 2020, Delwar's companies had monopolised all contracts, indicating a lack of fair competition and transparency in the procurement process. This monopolistic control over crucial equipment procurement raises serious concerns about accountability and oversight within Police Telecom.

The repercussions extend beyond financial losses. Investigations found that walkie-talkies, purportedly sourced from Motorola Solutions, were of inferior quality and sold at prices three to five times higher than market value. This not only squandered public funds but also compromised communications within law enforcement agencies, posing a grave risk to national security.

Irregularities in procurement processes, including the manipulation of tender awards and inflated pricing, suggest a systematic abuse of power and influence. The involvement of high-ranking officials, including Superintendent of Police (Logistics) Anwar Zahid, implicates Police Telecom's leadership in facilitating corruption and nepotism.

Documents from three registered contractual institutions reveal a scandal involving Police Telecom's procurement processes. MDM Traders Limited, registered on 11 May 2015, has been managed by Delwar Hossain as its Managing Director and has received police telecom work since its inception. Delwar's rise within Police Telecom began around the same time as Benazir Ahmed's appointment as Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

When the corruption allegations surfaced, Benazir attempted to distance himself from the two implicated institutions. However, Delwar, allegedly under Benazir’s protection, continued his operations. Delwar's son, Khalid Hossain, held a 50% share in Messrs. ARB Traders, with the remaining 50% owned by Monirul Islam. This joint institution was registered on 9 January 2020. However, on 2 March 2021, Khalid transferred his share to Asma-ul-Husna, Monirul's daughter, as documented in a gazette published on 15 May.

Evidence from the Corporate Office of Joint Stock Companies and Firms indicates Delwar’s ownership of Pearl Avionics Technologies, registered on 22 November 2020. Among its six shareholders, Delwar is second and his son Khalid sixth, each holding 12.5% to 25% shares. To obscure their involvement, their names were removed from official records, as revealed in another gazette published on 15 May.

Despite these ownership transfers, sources confirm that both establishments remain under Delwar’s control administratively. Since 2015, all three of Delwar's companies have participated in police telecom tenders, frequently submitting forged documents over the past five years. Anwar Jahid, appointed to Police Telecom, formalised registrations for both establishments in 2020, allegedly with prior knowledge of his appointment.

When approached for comments, Delwar Hossain, Managing Director of MDM Traders Limited, denied allegations of irregular tender acquisitions. He also disavowed any knowledge of companies named Pearl Avionics Technology and ARB Traders. However, he failed to explain how his firm consistently secured Police Telecom tenders for radio equipment over the past nine years, deflecting inquiries to Police Telecom. Additionally, Delwar asserted that he had no acquaintance with Benazir Ahmed.

Delwar also mentioned that his firm supplies radio equipment to DFIs, NSI, and SSF as local agents. Sources within Police Telecom indicated that SP Anwar Jahid, responsible for procuring various radio equipment, maintains a relationship with several employees, including Delwar.

The scandal involving Benazir Ahmed and Police Telecom underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to address corruption and ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.

Source: Daily Kaler Kantho

BDST: 1343 HRS, JUN 09, 2024