A series of past allegations against Md. Zamanur Rahman, who is currently holding the routine charge of Chief Engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), has resurfaced, raising questions about how he came to assume the responsibility of the key post.
 
The allegations against him include using political influence to secure promotion, abuse of official power, irregularities in contractors’ work, corruption and involvement in an incident in which a young woman was allegedly confined against her will in a mental hospital. Questions have also been raised about his reported links with influential political figures during the previous Awami League government and alleged attempts to change his political identity following the change of government.
 
According to several sources, Rahman wielded considerable influence within the department by leveraging his alleged connections with ministers and senior political leaders during the Awami League regime. There are also allegations that several complaints against him were not properly investigated and were instead suppressed. His appointment to the routine charge of Chief Engineer has therefore prompted questions among officials and other concerned quarters.
 
Sources allege that Rahman, whose hometown is in Kushtia and whose in-laws are based in Meherpur, developed close links with several influential figures in the then ruling party. They include former Local Government Minister Tajul Islam, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu and former State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain.
 
He has also been accused of receiving the salary and allowances of a fourth-grade officer despite holding a fifth-grade position, as well as securing a promotion with retrospective effect through political recommendations.
 
During his five-year tenure in the Khulna Circle, allegations surfaced that he formed a syndicate to control contractors’ work and misappropriated large sums through projects allegedly carried out with substandard materials and workmanship. The allegations require an impartial investigation to establish the facts.
 
Alleged shift in political affiliation after August 5
 
Following the political changeover on August 5, 2024, Rahman allegedly attempted to reposition himself politically. Individuals familiar with the matter claim that the official, previously regarded as close to the Awami League, later began presenting himself as opposed to the party and sympathetic to the BNP.
 
There are also allegations that he had earlier attended a programme at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s mausoleum in Tungipara with a floral wreath and was involved in controlling contract work through people close to the Awami League.
 
During his postings in the Kushtia and Khulna circles, he was also accused of harassing officials, employees and contractors who disagreed with him, subjecting them to mental pressure and arranging punitive transfers.
 
Allegation of confining a young woman to a mental hospital
 
One of the most serious allegations against Rahman concerns an incident in 2023. It was alleged that he attempted to establish an illicit relationship with a young woman by promising her a job at the DPHE. After she rejected the proposal, she was allegedly portrayed as mentally unstable and confined to the Pabna Mental Hospital.
 
According to the allegations, the woman was kept at the hospital in shackles. After receiving a phone call from an unidentified person, her husband approached a court. The woman was subsequently rescued under a court order, sources familiar with the matter claimed.
 
The complainant's side claims that an investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) found Rahman's involvement in the incident. However, the full findings of the investigation, the relevant court order and the latest status of the case could not be independently verified.
 
Suspension reportedly revoked
 
Rahman was reportedly placed under temporary suspension in connection with the incident. It has been alleged that the suspension order was later withdrawn following lobbying by influential political quarters.
 
A three-page complaint submitted to the Local Government Division reportedly raised allegations against him involving irregularities in job recruitment, corruption and abuse of a woman. The details and current status of the complaint could not be known.
 
Another allegation concerns the withdrawal of Tk37 lakh from his provident fund while he was under suspension. Questions have been raised over whether the withdrawal complied with the applicable rules, particularly given claims that he was entitled only to subsistence allowance during the suspension period.
 
Questions over administrative responsibility
 
The allegations have prompted questions about how Rahman was given the routine charge of Chief Engineer of an important public service institution such as the DPHE despite the complaints against him.
 
Concerned quarters have called for an impartial investigation by the ministry and the department, along with appropriate administrative measures based on the findings.
 
Several attempts were made to contact Rahman for his comments, but he did not answer the phone.
 
An impartial inquiry and disclosure of relevant documents are necessary to establish the facts surrounding the allegations against an official holding a senior position in a public service institution.