The Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) is a powerful man with a propensity of misusing his authority. In a report on June 27, Prothom Alo revealed irregularities in the appointment of a contractor for the construction of a laboratory building under the Buffalo Development Project. Allegations were made against Project Director Nurunnahar for appointing a particular contractor in exchange of financial favours. However, instead of taking action against the accused person, the powerful BLRI Director General has temporarily dismissed Deputy Assistant Engineer Mohammed Keramat Ali who brought the allegations. He has been accused of violating the BLRI service rules by tarnishing the image of the institute.
No matter who leveled these complaints, has the Director General taken any steps to verify the reports? Has he formed an inquiry committee? Perhaps that would be opening a can of worms, so he chose to temporarily remove the Deputy Assistant Engineer who had made the complaints. This dismissal is both unlawful and unethical.
The Director General of BLRI cannot take such action against anyone without giving him a chance to defend himself. In fact, it is the responsibility of the state to provide protection and safety to the person who reports such corruption and irregularities in the interests of justice and integrity. The Director General himself is violating the regulations demanding that the Deputy Assistant Engineer withdraw his allegations or place a rejoinder in Prothom Alo. Why did he himself not send in any rejoinder to Prothom Alo? Perhaps he lacks the moral courage to do so.
The temporary dismissal of Deputy Assistant Engineer Keramat Ali must be withdrawn immediately. A fair and neutral inquiry must be made into the allegations brought against director Nurunnahar. If the inquiry reveals that there were irregularities in the process of appointing the contractor, the work order must be cancelled and legal action taken against the persons involved.