Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah on Tuesday said the much-discussed Padma Bridge graft case had been shelved despite substantial evidence, and the accused were unjustly exempted from trial.

Speaking at the ACC headquarters in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha, he revealed that the original investigation report was flawed and incomplete. “We have decided to revive it with a comprehensive, evidence-based submission,” he said.

Highlighting irregularities in the hiring of consultants for the Padma Bridge project, Abdullah noted the previous commission filed an FRT (Final Report True), effectively closing the case despite clear grounds for prosecution.

“When we reassessed the matter after taking over in December, we found the case was forcefully shelved. It must be reopened,” he added.

He cited repeated changes to the evaluation committee, improper scrutiny of consultants’ CVs, and violations of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) and Rules (PPR), suggesting “malafide intentions.”

In 2012, the World Bank suspended its $1.2 billion loan for the project citing corruption concerns. Later that year, the ACC filed a case against seven people, including then Bridges Division Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, who was arrested, later released on bail, and eventually reinstated.

The ACC chief confirmed a new, independent investigation is underway, promising a complete report to ensure the case proceeds properly.