Tayyab’s efforts to complete a 15 million dollar project for 30 million, despite ACC objections

Special Correspondent

Allegations have once again been raised against Muhammad Yunus’ special assistant, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, who has sparked one controversy after another since taking office.

This time, a new controversy has arisen around BTCL’s ‘Optical Fiber Transmission Network Development for 5G Adaptation’ project.

While the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating, allegations have been made that the bank manager concerned was pressured to pay around 1 billion taka for LCs for equipment imported from China.

This information was obtained from relevant ACC sources, documents, and conversations with multiple responsible individuals.

165 crore worth of work for 326 crore

The government-owned Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL) currently provides about 30 percent of the country’s total internet bandwidth. Each mobile operator purchases wholesale bandwidth from BTCL and provides internet at the consumer level. BTCL’s current infrastructure capacity is about 7 terabytes.

To increase this capacity, the previous Awami League government took up a project titled ‘Development of BTCL’s Optical Fiber Transmission Network for 5G Adaptation’. The feasibility study of the project was conducted by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The cost for this was around 2.8 million taka.

The BUET report states that considering existing usage at the district and upazila levels and private supply, BTCL’s bandwidth demand will be 26.2 terabytes in 2030. Accordingly, it is recommended to install 100G line cards.

It is worth noting that the survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when internet usage in the country was at its highest level.

But there are allegations that, ignoring this recommendation, an initiative was taken to purchase equipment with a capacity of 126 terabytes instead of 26 terabytes. While the project could have been implemented at a cost of about $15 million (about 165 crore taka at the then exchange rate of 110 taka to the dollar), the purchase was arranged for about $30 million, or 326 crore taka.

What is emerging from the ACC investigation

The ACC launched a public inquiry after allegations of irregularities surfaced. The investigation reportedly found evidence of violation of project confidentiality conditions, breach of PPR, attempts to purchase unnecessary and substandard equipment, abuse of power, and purchasing parts four times more than recommended by BUET. The investigation, which began in 2023, is still ongoing.

In a letter dated June 18 signed by then ACC Secretary Khorsheda Yasmin, the ministry was informed that proceeding with the procurement process while the investigation was ongoing would be a violation of the law and the related expenditure would not be legal.

However, there are allegations that despite this, efforts to move the project forward have begun.

Jio canceled, later relaunched

After the change of power, former Posts and Telecommunications Advisor and current Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam cancelled the GOs of three officials issued for factory visits to China on September 24, 2024, and initiated an investigation into allegations of corruption.

Later, former special assistant to the chief advisor, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, took over. He took the initiative to revive the project activities. A letter was sent from the ministry to the ACC highlighting the importance of the project. At the same time, an application was made to the chief advisor’s office for permission to visit the factory, but it was rejected.

Then, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab himself traveled to China with his personal assistant. According to the GO issued on May 4, the expenses of the trip were borne by the China Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), which represents more than 300 Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh. Among the important members of the organization is Huawei Technologies, which has received the order to supply equipment for the BTCL project.

Letter to ACC Chairman

After his visit to China, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab sent a semi-official letter to the ACC Chairman on the ministry’s pad on June 22. In it, he highlighted the importance of the project and sought the chairman’s personal attention and cooperation, mentioning the need to continue the activities.

It is not known what action the ACC has taken in response to this letter. However, there has been a visible stagnation in the investigation. A report on the matter was published in a national daily on 6 July 2025.

ACC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Tanzir Ahmed said that important evidence has been found in the investigation and a report will be submitted soon.

Shipment without factory test

Huawei sent letters to the project director on May 18 and 19 informing them of the shipment of equipment. Although there was no legal approval, a letter signed by the ministry’s deputy secretary, Mauran Karim, on May 25 gave instructions for the shipment of goods. The letter sent to the BTCL MD was endorsed in full by the project director and sent to Huawei. After that, the equipment was shipped.

Those concerned say that it is not legal to endorse the ministry’s letter exactly and that importing such important equipment without factory testing is unacceptable.

Pressure on bank manager

Currently, there are allegations that various pressures are being put on the bank manager concerned to pay about 1 billion taka for the LC of the imported equipment. The Chinese bank is demanding payment through SWIFT messages. On the other hand, Huawei Bangladesh and local lobbyists on their behalf are also regularly pressuring them.

The bank manager is unable to release the money as the investigation is ongoing. At one stage, he is said to have met with ACC investigation-related officials several times.

Anis Ur Rahman, manager of the relevant branch of UCBL, expressed his inability to speak to the media on this matter.

Regarding the allegations against him, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab said, “There is no point in putting pressure on me. Nothing beyond this has been done by the ministry.”