Serious allegations of document forgery, specification tampering, and misinformation have surfaced over the procurement of a sophisticated chemical identification instrument for the forensic laboratory of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in Cox’s Bazar under e-GP Tender ID: 1232599.

The tender was floated through the government’s e-GP system under the Open Tender Method (OTM), with the notice published on February 22, 2026. Despite multiple alleged irregularities in technical documents and supporting information, a local firm — High Tech Industrial Technologies Limited — was reportedly awarded the contract last week to supply a GC-MS System manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

According to investigation findings, the procurement involved a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) System, a highly sensitive forensic instrument used to identify chemical substances and determine their concentration levels with precision.

Experts involved in the review claim that the original Thermo Fisher catalog listed the instrument’s Mass Range as 1.2–1,100, but the submitted tender documents allegedly altered the specification to 1.1–1,100.

Although the numerical difference appears minimal, specialists warn that even slight deviations in forensic laboratory specifications can significantly affect analytical accuracy and potentially compromise criminal investigations.

Experts fear such discrepancies could obstruct the identification of actual offenders while exposing innocent individuals to wrongful implication.

The tender also required proof that similar instruments were already being used in Bangladesh. In a letter dated February 19, 2026, allegedly signed by Abhishek Mukherjee, Regional Manager of Thermo Fisher India Private Limited, it was claimed that the instrument was operational in five institutions:

Bangladesh Agricultural University

National Institute of Biotechnology

Criminal Investigation Department

Renata PLC

River Research Institute

However, further inquiries reportedly revealed major inconsistencies in those claims.

Investigators found that neither Bangladesh Agricultural University nor the River Research Institute possesses the specified instrument. Additionally, the National Institute of Biotechnology and CID were found to be using different models — TSQ9000 and TSQ9610 — rather than the model referenced in the tender documents.

Among the institutions listed, only Renata Pharmaceuticals PLC was confirmed to be using the exact model mentioned in the procurement papers.

Sources also alleged that the submitted technical catalog included several specifications and features that do not exist in Thermo Fisher’s original documentation.

The allegations have raised serious questions over the approval process of the procurement and whether proper technical verification was conducted before awarding the contract.

When contacted regarding the matter, DNC Deputy Director (Procurement, Planning and Development) Md. Mostafizur Rahman stated, “…………..”.

Procurement and forensic experts warn that any compromise in the specifications of forensic laboratory equipment can directly impact test results and judicial outcomes.

They further caution that if local companies, in collusion with corrupt officials and foreign representatives, engage in such fraudulent practices, it could severely damage confidence in both public procurement systems and internationally reputed manufacturers.