Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today asked the Religious Affairs Ministry to conduct a mosque-wise investigation over anomalies that took place in the model mosque project. Speaking in Parliament, Salahuddin sought to determine how the construction cost of a mosque increased from Tk 13 crore to Tk 21 crore, the total estimated cost of the mosques, and the number of mosques constructed.
Parliamentary Inquiry
Salahuddin made these remarks while replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench member Zainul Abedin Farroque (Noakhali-2). Farroque inquired whether an investigation would be launched into alleged anomalies in the model mosque project, specifically mentioning the increased construction cost of the Senbagh upazila model mosque in his constituency.
Deputy Speaker's Concerns
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, who was chairing the House, raised concerns over the location of the Durgapur Model Mosque in his constituency. He noted that local people faced inconvenience as the mosque was built behind a large pond, necessitating a bridge for access.
Minister's Remarks
In the absence of Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, Salahuddin acknowledged Farroque's extensive parliamentary experience and suggested that his concerns might be applicable to other locations as well. He cautioned against drawing comparisons to the Padma Bridge project but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the model mosque project.
Economic Context
Referring to a white paper by economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Salahuddin highlighted the issues of inflated project estimates, corruption, extended implementation periods, and increased costs in various mega projects. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the model mosque project was implemented properly.
Significance and Next Steps
This investigation is crucial for transparency and accountability in public projects. It aims to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and that the intended benefits reach the community. The findings will likely influence future project implementations and budgetary allocations.
