ACC forms body to investigate graft allegation in N-95 mask purchase

The headquarters of Anti-Corruption CommissionFile photo

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formed a committee to investigate into the allegations of corruption in purchase of N-95 masks and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), reports news agency UNB.

A four-member body, led by director Mir Md Joynul Abedin Shibli, has been formed, said ACC public relations officer Pranab Kumer Bhattacharya on Thursday.

The other members are -- deputy director Md Nurul Huda, assistant directors Md Saiduzzaman Nandan and Ataur Rahman.

The team will submit a report to the commission to take legal action against such irregularities and corruption in the health sector.

ACC chairman Iqbal Mahmud said that very important equipment like masks or PPE are related to the safety of physicians, nurses or health workers in this time of novel coronavirus pandemic.

the commission will fulfil its legal duty to bring the culprits to book by revealing the real truth. Those who are involved must be held accountable

Therefore, the commission will fulfil its legal duty to bring the culprits to book by revealing the real truth. Those who are involved must be held accountable, he added.

Earlier on 24 April, the health and family welfare ministry formed a committee to investigate an allegation that low-quality products were passed on as N-95 masks to some government hospitals.

Mask supplier CMSD was served a show cause notice. After reviewing the allegation and the supplier’s response, the ministry formed a three-member investigation committee, a ministry press release said.

Earlier, physicians of some government hospitals, including Mugda General Hospital, a dedicated hospital to treat the COVID-19 patients, complained of receiving low-quality masks.