No commission trading in development projects: Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has vowed to take a firm stance against corruption and irregularities, saying there will be no room for commission trading in development projects.Government allocations are taxpayers’ money, and local residents must monitor whether development projects are being implemented properly, he said. Any irregularities should be reported to the relevant authorities.The minister made the remarks while addressing the annual general meeting of Dhaka-based Digannagar Union Kallyan Sangstha of Shailkupa Upazila, Jhenaidah, as the chief guest at the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka, on Friday evening.Asaduzzaman said elected representatives alone could not resolve all local problems. Social organisations and conscious citizens must play an active role in ensuring accountability.Public opinion, constructive criticism and suggestions help elected representatives perform their duties effectively, he said, adding that public participation was essential not only in development projects but also in state affairs.Emphasising the proper use of public funds, the minister warned that legal action would be taken against contractors and engineers if substandard materials were used in road or infrastructure construction.Ensuring the quality of every project funded by taxpayers’ money was a collective responsibility, he added.On administrative transparency, Asaduzzaman said a lottery system had been introduced for the transfer of sub-registrars to ensure transparency in the process and dispel negative perceptions surrounding such transfers.The minister also reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against drugs in Shailkupa. He said no political identity or influence would be considered in dealing with criminal offences.Political lobbying on behalf of people involved in drug-related or other crimes would not be tolerated, he said, warning that attempts to influence criminal investigations and judicial proceedings would be firmly resisted.Condemning political violence and vendetta, the minister called on society to stand against attacks on homes, vandalism, looting and organised harassment.While ensuring that no one became a victim of injustice, people must not take sides with crime and corruption, he said, stressing the importance of impartiality in establishing justice and good governance.Highlighting ongoing development initiatives in Shailkupa, Asaduzzaman said several important projects, including road improvements, were underway across the upazila. Development work on new roads was also being carried out in Digannagar Union.Around 395 additional roads in Shailkupa had recently been included in the list of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), he said.The minister expressed hope that accelerated implementation of the projects would bring significant improvements to the upazila’s communication network over the next five years.He said separate subcommittees had been formed to work on education, law and order, and development, aiming to involve distinguished local residents and professionals in the area’s progress regardless of political affiliation.Stressing joint efforts by the government and citizens, Asaduzzaman said constructive criticism, responsible public participation and a culture of accountability were essential to building a just society.The meeting was chaired by Z A Wahed, a freedom fighter and president of the organisation. Former secretary Khandaker Shahidul Islam and other distinguished guests also addressed the event. Prominent citizens from different professions and members of the organisation attended.