Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) Managing Director Taqsem A Khan has said his 11 years of successful term in office is the reason the government reappointed him for three more years in the same position.
Taqsem Khan made the claim while addressing a press conference at WASA building on Friday.
Boasting about providing 100 per cent potable water for the people of Dhaka, Taqsem also said, those who are criticising him could not carry out corruption and nepotism under his watch.
“Government wants achievement and success, which I brought in WASA with my performance. Criticism is coming from those whose illegal activities were threatened by my performance.”
He further said Dhaka WASA is producing more water than the demand in Dhaka. A project has also been taken up to meet the future water demand till 2035, he added.
Earlier on September 19, Dhaka WASA recommended reappointing its current Managing Director Taqsem A Khan for another three-year term at a virtual meeting.
Earlier on Wednesday (October 14), the High Court fixed October 18 to pass an order on a writ petition that challenged the recommendation of Dhaka WASA board to reappoint Taqsem A Khan for another three-year term.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Tanvir Ahmed filed the petition with the High Court on September 24 Dhaka WASA recommended reappointing Taqsem A Khan for another three-year term at a virtual meeting as 5 days before.
Taqsem came under heavy criticism for various mismanagements and irregularities during his long period (11 years) in office.
Earlier on October 1, ignoring widespread criticism, the government reappointed Taqsem.
The decision came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the appointment put forward by the WASA board.
Moreover, on September 14, the High Court reprimanded Taqsem for failing to take steps to curb pollution on the Buriganga river in line with the court's directives.
The High Court subsequently issued a warning and ordered him to submit a compliance report within a month.
On July 20, ahead of the appointment of the next WASA managing director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) demanded clarity in the appointment process.
In his written statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said Taqsem had been holding the same position for the past 11 years and his reappointments were granted by extending the age limit for the post and sometimes even bypassing the recommendations of the WASA board.
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