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.”

Fake cooperative identity: Questions have also been raised about Anwar’s identity as a cooperative member. An internal investigation found that he was not actually a milk producing cooperative member. He allegedly used forged documents to secure the position.

Initially he identified himself as a member of a cooperative society in Phulpur of Mymensingh. Later the investigation found that he similarly used documents showing him as a member of another cooperative society in Karnaphuli of Chattogram.

From Chhatra League to ‘July warrior’: Anwar’s political identity has also changed significantly. Milk Vita chairman S M Amir Hamza Shatil said there was evidence that Anwar had been a vice president of the Dhaka South City Chhatra League.

He said, “After the fall of the Awami League government Anwar changed his identity. He claimed to be a July warrior and coordinator. Later identifying himself as a member of a BNP family he secured the post of vice chairman of the Milk Union on April 23.”

Anwar allegedly used the names of former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and several others to exert influence over Milk Vita. Seven members of the interim management committee of the Milk Union mentioned the matter in a letter to the director general of the Department of Cooperatives.

They recommended investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Board of Revenue and intelligence agencies to examine Anwar’s activities.

S M Amir Hamza Shatil, chairman of the management committee of Milk Vita, said, “After taking charge one allegation after another of corruption and abuse of power emerged against Anwar. After the allegations were found to be true in the investigation the appointing authority was informed to remove him. There should be an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission and intelligence agencies against him.”

However, Anwar Hossain denied all allegations against him. He claimed that he was the victim of a conspiracy.

He said, “I had no involvement with any political party. My family members are involved in BNP politics. I have become a target of many people because I protested corruption at Milk Vita.”

Several calls and messages were sent to Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan’s mobile phone seeking his comment on his alleged association with Anwar Hossain. However, no response was received.