Two senior officials of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) have been temporarily suspended over allegations of taking bribes in exchange for awarding fuel supply contracts.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Shipping, Additional Director (Marine) Md. Abdur Rahim and Deputy Director Md. Obaidul Karim Khan of BIWTA’s Vessel Preservation and Operations Department were suspended on the instructions of the Adviser for Shipping.

A probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident, with authorities vowing to take departmental action against those involved. Instructions have also been issued to pursue legal measures against any other individuals linked to the corruption.