The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday formed a probe body led by Additional Secretary (Development) as convener and Director (Planning) of the Islamic Foundation as its member secretary to investigate the irregularities and corruption in the construction of 560 Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centres across the country.
The probe body has been given 15 working days to submit its report to the government as well as the Ministry taking the allegations submitted in writing or verbal to the Ministry, reports published or broadcast in newspaper or electronic media or social media, according to the Ministry notification.
The ousted Awami League government had constructed the 560 Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centres across the country spending around Tk 8,722 crore from its own fund. Though the Saudi Arabian government committed to funding Tk 8,170 crore for the project, it had postponed its commitment later.
Later, the government gave announcement to implement the project on own fund. The cost of the project, which was implemented by the Islamic Foundation, has finally stood at Tk 9,435 crore.
Till July, 2023, the-then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had inaugurated around 250 model mosques.
According to the Ministry notification issued in this regard, Superintending Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) of relevant districts; Deputy Commissioners or Additional Deputy Commissioner as his representative; Executive Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) of relevant district; and a Deputy Director of Islamic Foundation will represent in the district levels while director of the Foundation will represent divisional levels.
The committee has been asked to submit the report visiting the mosques in person and hearing complaints from the local people or sufferers as the authority has received many complaints against the project officials and relevant persons.
The committee, which will have scope to extend the deadline through the proper authority, has been given authority to co-opt new members considering the necessities.
