SC also seeks info on salary, benefits of Wasa MD

The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court order that sought a report on the salaries, allowances and others facilities given to Engineer Taqsem A Khan, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa).

The Dhaka Wasa authorities were prohibited from disbursing performance bonuses to its staff for a period of three months by an injunction issued by the High Court, and the Appellate Division of the SC maintained that ruling.

Engineer Mobassher Hossain filed a writ on behalf of Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on July 31, challenging the "illogical" and high salary of Dhaka WASA MD, violating the circular and service order of Ministry of Finance.

After holding hearing on the matter, the High Court on August 17 passed the order and also issued a rule in this regard. The High Court had asked the Dhaka WASA MD to submit a report on the salaries, allowances and other benefits drawn by him in last 13 years, within 60 days.

The court in its rule asked the authorities concerned to explain as to why it shall not declare illegal the inaction in taking steps to remove Khan from his post.