Why failure to buy Rooppur plant goods on trust not illegal

Dhaka, July 2 (UNB) – The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why their failure to procure furniture, pillows and other household products for the officials and employees of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in good faith should not be declared illegal.

Following a writ petition, the HC bench of Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice Md Shohrowardi also asked the state to submit the reports of two panels formed to probe the alleged irregularities and inform it what steps were taken based on the reports.

Housing and Public Works, and Science and Technology secretaries, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, its additional chief engineer and executive engineer for Rajshahi and the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project director were made respondents to the rule.

Supreme Court lawyer Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, who filed the writ, stood for himself while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Deputy Attorney General Amatul Karim represented the state.

On May 20 last, the High Court sought the reports of two probe panels formed by the Housing and Public Works Ministry to look into the alleged irregularities in purchasing furniture and other household products for the officials and employees of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

Passing the order, it had also adjourned the hearing following a request from the attorney general.

Suman filed the writ petition on May 19 seeking judicial inquiry into reported corruption in purchasing furniture and other household products for officials and employees of the power plant.

Citing reports published on different newspapers, Suman said excess money was spent on buying furniture, pillows and other items for Green City Housing Palli where officials and employees of Rooppur Power Plant will reside.

He said a pillow cost around Tk 6,000 while lifting a kettle to the building cost Tk 3,000.