PDB engineer arrested for demanding bribe to approve contracts

Law enforcement agencies have arrested a senior engineer employed by the Power Development Board (PDB) on corruption charges following allegations that he demanded a Tk 20 million bribe from contractors seeking project approvals.

According to initial reports, the engineer allegedly told contractors that he would authorize and sign all required documentation in exchange for the cash payment. The demand came as part of discussions related to ongoing infrastructure projects under the state-owned power utility's purview.

The arrest marks another instance of graft allegations within Bangladesh's power sector, an area that has faced repeated scrutiny over financial irregularities and administrative misconduct in recent years. Authorities have intensified anti-corruption operations across government departments to address systemic challenges.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with officials examining the engineer's conduct over an extended period to determine whether similar demands were made in other cases. The PDB has indicated its cooperation with law enforcement authorities in the probe.

The incident underscores persistent challenges faced by Bangladesh in tackling corruption within its public institutions, particularly in sectors managing critical infrastructure projects and significant public funds.