STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The country lost up to Tk 50,835 crore in the last 15 years due to corruption in development projects implemented by the Roads and Highways Department, according to a Transparency International Bangladesh estimate.

Between 23 and 40 percent of the total work order value were lost because of corruption in fiscal year 2009-10 to 2023-24, said TIB presenting its research at its office in the capital’s Dhanmondi yesterday

Considering the size of allocation, the country lost Tk 29,230 to 50,835 crores, finds the research.

“In the roads and highways sector, development activities have been monopolised through tripartite collusion among politicians, high-ranking bureaucrats, and contractors,” reads its summary.

The colluders influenced policies, procurement, and projects.

“Irregularities and corruption in the implementation of roads and highways development projects have been institutionalised through this collusion, creating ample opportunities for some corrupt politicians, officials, and contractors to illicitly earn large sums of money.”

On the one hand, the projects are being implemented at high costs due to irregularities. On the other hand, the roads and bridges that have been built are of poor quality, it added.

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