A taskforce has been formed to investigate alleged irregularities and corruption in various projects under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as well as to prepare a comprehensive white paper on the matter. The taskforce and the white paper committee will be led by renowned development economist Professor Dr. Niaz Asadullah.
The committee includes several distinguished members: Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hossain, a semiconductor and IoT specialist currently teaching at Purdue University, USA; legal expert Barrister Afzal Jami Syed Ali, known for his work in criminal defense, civil litigation, public law, and high-value fraud cases; technology expert Mahmud Salam Maruf; and technology journalist Md. Shariat Ullah, who has worked as a tech correspondent for The Daily Ittefaq and Bonik Barta. Asif Shahriar Susmita, a technology specialist, will serve as the taskforce’s chief coordinator.
The taskforce’s mandate includes a thorough review of mismanagement and irregularities in the ICT sector. It will examine all contracts and projects, including DPPs (Development Project Proposals), audit reports, and previous investigation findings carried out during the tenure of past governments. Additionally, the taskforce will compile both a summary and a detailed report, which must be submitted by June 21.
Taskforce members will receive honorariums or sitting allowances as per regulations. The ICT Division will provide necessary logistical and administrative support, with Deputy Secretary Md. Abu Naser assigned to provide secretarial assistance to the taskforce.
Professor Dr. Niaz Asadullah, who leads the initiative, is a respected Bangladeshi economist and educator. Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hossain brings his expertise in cutting-edge semiconductor and IoT technologies, while Barrister Afzal Jami Syed Ali offers extensive legal experience across both domestic and international cases. Journalist Md. Shariat Ullah brings years of experience in reporting on technology and digital transformation in Bangladesh.
This taskforce aims to promote transparency, accountability, and reform within the ICT sector through detailed investigation and documentation.
