Explosive claims emerge of political pressure on auditors to alter a controversial coal deal report, raising serious concerns about transparency and governance.
Samagi Jana Balawega MP Mujibar Rahman has alleged that a chairman of a key parliamentary committee exerted intense pressure on the Auditor General’s Department to alter an audit report related to the stranded coal deal.
According to Rahman, the chairman had visited the department multiple times and attempted to influence officials to change the findings of the audit report, with departmental officers later informing him of these actions.
Rahman stated that despite facing significant pressure and challenges, officials of the Auditor General’s Department stood firm and submitted a report that reflected the true facts surrounding the coal procurement issue.
He emphasized that it is a serious breach of discipline and ethics for a person holding the responsible position of a parliamentary committee chairman to exert such undue influence on an independent audit institution.
Rahman further noted that there is now reasonable suspicion that attempts by certain government stakeholders to appoint a preferred individual to the post of Auditor General may have been driven by intentions to conceal such financial irregularities and corruption.
He added that he intends to formally request the Speaker to initiate an immediate investigation into the matter, highlighting the need for accountability, transparency, and protection of institutional independence.
