Accused of taking over milk vita using adviser’s name

He changed his identity. He changed his political affiliation. But his strategy of exerting influence did not change. From a Chhatra League leader he became a ‘July warrior’. He then identified himself as a member of a BNP family.

This is how Anwar Hossain allegedly established influence over the state-owned Milk Vita, officially known as Bangladesh Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited. He reportedly used the name of an influential adviser to the former interim government to influence key decisions at the organization.

From recruitment, transfers and promotions to tenders, he allegedly exercised influence in every area. Following several such allegations an internal investigation was launched. The investigation uncovered the allegations. After the allegations were found to be true the government removed him from the post of vice chairman of the Milk Union.

It is known that the decision to remove him was announced in an order issued by the Department of Cooperatives on August 6. Earlier on July 29 allegations against Anwar Hossain were discussed at a meeting of the management committee of the Milk Union. Members of the interim management committee expressed their lack of confidence in him in writing.

Tk 83 million sugar scandal: On January 12 this year Anwar faced allegations of irregularities in a tender for 350 tonnes of sugar for Milk Vita. Messrs Purnota International submitted the lowest bid at Tk 99 per kilogram. However, steps were taken to exclude the company.

A proposal was made to award the contract to First Enterprise which submitted the fourth highest bid at Tk 122.80 per kilogram. This could cause Milk Vita a loss of around Tk 8.33 million. It is also learned that a recommendation has already been made to issue a work order to the company.

Money involved in jobs and transfers: Anwar has also been accused of taking money in the name of recruitment, transfers and promotions. According to the allegations he would claim that he could arrange jobs and transfers by using the names of government officials and influential people. He allegedly took large sums of money in return.

Sadhan Gop, president of Sardarpara Primary Milk Producers’ Cooperative Society in Madarganj of Jamalpur, made a similar allegation. In a complaint submitted to the chairman of Milk Vita on July 20 he said, “Anwar took Tk 500,000 from me promising to get me membership of the Milk Union. As he failed to make me a member, he later returned Tk 200,000. He has still not returned the remaining Tk 300,000. Agamir Somoy is also in possession of evidence of the financial transaction.”