Bangladesh telco in $5m graft probe

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Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the state-owned Bangladesh Telecommunications Company (BTC) over allegations of a $5 million telegraph fraud.

BTC has spent over 297.6 million taka ($4.2 million) since 2001 operating 460 telegraph offices, which combined employ 883 members of staff, despite receiving only $28,000 in telegraph revenue over the period, the ACC alleges. At least $123,000 was taken out over budget.

The ACC has recommended the government force BTC to close all of its existing telegraph offices, as next to nobody still uses the antiquated technology. At least one still-operational BTC telegraph office takes in less than $3.00 per month, the commission said.

The ACC has also accused BTC employees of misappropriating thousands through the illegal provision of transport licenses to 34 employees.

The commission intends to file charges against 38 BTC employees accused of pocketing a combined $5 million.