Allegations of irregularities and corruption in government development projects, as well as the accumulation of illegal wealth, have been raised against Md Rafiquzzaman, a diploma engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD). Rafiquzzaman is currently posted in Habiganj.
 
A complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has accused him of abusing his official position and embezzling public funds through various irregularities.
 
The complaint was filed at the ACC office on October 26 by an employee of the same organisation.
 
ALLEGATIONS OF IRREGULARITIES IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
According to the complaint, Engineer Rafiquzzaman was allegedly involved in irregularities in several government projects during his tenure in Dhaka, including the construction and renovation of buildings at Mugda Hospital, renovation work on a new building of Bangladesh Television (BTV), and the construction of various police infrastructure facilities.
 
The complainant has called for an investigation into alleged increases in estimated project costs, substandard construction work, and irregularities in the issuance of work orders and payment of bills to establish the facts.
 
ALLEGATIONS OF ILLEGAL WEALTH ACCUMULATION:
The complaint further alleges that five luxury apartments in the Bashundhara Residential Area are registered in the names of Rafiquzzaman’s wife and sister.
 
It also claims that two petrol pumps have been established in his home districts of Habiganj and Kurigram. In addition, the complainant has alleged that money was transferred abroad through Hundi channels to purchase property in his sister’s name.
 
The complaint has urged the ACC to investigate the sources of these assets and examine the allegations of money laundering.
 
According to ACC sources, the complaint is currently at the verification and scrutiny stage in accordance with the relevant procedures. Following an initial review, the commission may seek a statement or explanation from the official concerned if deemed necessary.
 
Concerned quarters have called for an independent investigation into the tenders, bills, vouchers and quality of work under all projects implemented during his tenure to establish whether any financial irregularities took place.
Efforts to contact Md Rafiquzzaman by mobile phone for his comments on the allegations were unsuccessful. He did not respond to a text message either.