GCC Buys Tk8.66 Crore in Fraudulent Mosquito Chemicals

The GCC awarded contracts to two companies—M/S Galaxy Technologies Ltd and Parents Enterprise—both run by the same individual, Sirajul Huq. These companies lacked the necessary licenses to import the chemicals and submitted forged documents, including fake manufacturer authorizations, during the tender process. Despite clear discrepancies, GCC officials, including Superintending Engineer Sudip Basak, approved the purchases.

The contracts involved the procurement of 3 lakh liters of Malathion, 4,000 liters of Temephos, and 35 kg of Novaluron for Tk8,66,54,137. However, these companies had no valid licenses to import these chemicals, and their documentation was proven to be fraudulent.

A deeper investigation revealed that Sirajul Huq, who operates all the involved companies, admitted to the forgery. Parents Enterprise submitted false authorizations from Genetica Industries Limited and Siraj Agro International Limited, which both denied issuing these documents.

Documents from the Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that no company in Bangladesh held the necessary licenses to import Novaluron after April 2023. Furthermore, Siraj Agro International Limited was not a manufacturer of Malathion or Temephos but an importer, contrary to the claims made in the tender.

Three companies, including Sirajul’s, bid for the tender with minimal price differences, suggesting possible collusion. This mirrors a similar case from the previous year, when Sirajul’s Galaxy Technologies won a contract worth Tk5.39 crore using forged documents.

Despite these irregularities, GCC officials, including Akram Hosasin Khan and CEO ASM Safiul Azam, have distanced themselves from responsibility, though some have acknowledged involvement in the decision-making process.

Experts have criticized the lack of transparency in the procurement process. Entomologist Prof. Kabirul Bashar emphasized the importance of purchasing quality mosquito-control products from reputable sources to effectively combat dengue. Procurement expert AKM Fazlul Karim warned that awarding contracts without proper documentation is illegal and urged accountability for the officials involved.

The ongoing investigation may lead to the cancellation of the contracts, with potential legal actions against the involved parties.