Smart Technologies, a company linked to former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and former finance minister’s daughter Nafisa Kamal, has again been involved in procuring body-worn cameras for police ahead of the 13th national election, triggering renewed allegations of irregularities.
An investigation found corruption in the latest import of the devices, despite earlier assurances that the process would be transparent. Although the cameras have already reached field level, the police telecom division has declined to provide detailed information.
Analysts said that remnants of the previous authoritarian regime within the administration might be attempting to undermine the electoral process through unchecked corruption.
A high-level government meeting on 9 August last year decided to procure 40,000 body-worn cameras at a cost of Tk269 crore to help ensure a free and fair election.
Following the decision, Smart Technologies – which allegedly secured most police tenders during the Awami League period except those handled by the UNDP – moved quickly to regain business, according to the investigation.
Earlier, several media reports highlighted irregularities in camera purchases involving the same company. In response, the government issued a gazette notification that procurement would be carried out through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure transparency.
At the time, the finance adviser said UNDP involvement would ensure quality and competitive pricing, removing controversy over costs and standards.
However, the investigation found the UNDP is no longer involved. Instead, police reportedly procured Chinese-made cameras using source money through Smart Technologies, along with four other firms — Dahua, TD Tech Ltd, KEDACOM and Oxen.
Dahua acknowledged procurement information existed but denied direct involvement. Marketing manager Farhan Khondker said Dahua did not directly sell cameras in Bangladesh and acted only as a manufacturer for other firms.
Repeated attempts to obtain details from police headquarters were unsuccessful. AHM Shahadat Hossain, AIG (Media and PR), said he had no update on the issue and could not provide information on the number of cameras procured.
Experts said the cameras may have been imported secretly to enable unrestrained corruption, and warned that individuals loyal to the former regime could be trying to sabotage the election process.
Rezual Karim Sohag, chairman of Dhaka University’s Department of Criminology, said functioning body cameras would prevent misconduct. He cautioned that low-quality devices might be deliberately procured so they fail to operate properly, concealing mismanagement, crime or disorder.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
