TIB: Reappointing Wasa chief is unethical and illegal

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the proposal of Dhaka Wasa Board to re-appoint its current managing director in an unethical and unconstitutional manner by calling it a means of protection against corruption. 

It is quite clear that without heeding the rules and regulations, Wasa Board took measures to ensure the continuation of the immoral and illegitimate tenure of the same person, a TIB press release said on Saturday.

Despite all the serious allegations of failure and irregularities, the questionable appointment and continued re-appointment to the post has turned the state's commitment to good governance in the country into a farce, the release said.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “According to news published on the media and reliable direct sources, the special meeting of the Dhaka Wasa Board has only mentioned the name of the current managing director recommended to finalize his re-appointment for another three-year term.

“There was no mention of whether the application for the post was invited as per the rules, who applied, why they were not considered eligible, or why the present managing director is the only suitable candidate.

“On the other hand, the suffering of the people during the tenure of the present managing director is not unknown to anyone,” the TIB executive director added.

“According to TIB’s research and all relevant sources, complaints have been raised of the unprecedented spread of various types of irregularities and corruption in the implementation of projects and service levels of many small and large projects of Wasa, and some of its issues are under investigation.

“We hoped that a solution would be found as the head of government has repeatedly spoken of ‘zero tolerance’ against corruption and the establishment of good governance by implementing a national integrity strategy.

“But the way things are going, we can no longer talk about our frustration,” Iftekharuzzaman further said.

“We are now ashamed to talk about the possibility of integrity or good governance in Wasa. And I express my deep concern over the corruption of this organization and its protectors and call on the ministry and higher authorities to avoid this path.”