Staff Reporter

Fresh demands have been raised for a re-investigation into allegations of financial irregularities and corruption totaling approximately Tk 11.87 crore against Abul Kalam Md Akhtaruzzaman, Superintending Engineer (SE) of the Education Engineering Directorate (EED) in Mymensingh Circle.

The allegations stem from his tenure as Executive Engineer of the EED’s Dhaka Zone, during which he was allegedly involved in malpractices related to various school development and repair projects.

According to the complaint, irregularities occurred in building construction, ground filling, and road development at several educational institutions under government development initiatives, including the “Development of Selected Private Colleges to Enhance Quality of Education through ICT” and the “Development of Selected Private Secondary Schools” projects, as well as routine repair and renovation programs.

Specific allegations state that several contracting firms were overpaid a total of Tk 6.66 crore for work that was never executed. Furthermore, during the 2018–19 fiscal year, an excess amount of Tk 5.21 crore was drawn in violation of budgetary allocation guidelines—bringing the total amount in question to nearly Tk 11.87 crore.

Following these allegations, the Discipline Branch under the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education reportedly filed a departmental case and issued a show-cause notice against Akhtaruzzaman under Rules 3(b) and 3(d) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

However, complainants allege that a subsequent departmental inquiry cleared him of the charges without proper verification. An investigation committee led by the then Superintending Engineer, Mir Moazzem Hossain, submitted a report on March 14, 2024, recommending his exoneration.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, several EED officials and employees urged that the allegations be re-examined by a neutral, high-level independent body. They also demanded that Akhtaruzzaman be temporarily made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to ensure an impartial probe.

Complainants further alleged that irregularities in EED tenders and contracting activities persist, with certain favored contracting firms continuing to receive preferential treatment.

In addition, sources allege that during his long service at EED, Akhtaruzzaman accumulated substantial wealth, including plots and flats in Dhaka and his home district Rajshahi, alongside fixed deposits (FDRs) and savings certificates worth tens of millions of taka held under the names of close relatives. The complainant side stated that inquiries into these assets are underway.

Denying all allegations, Superintending Engineer Abul Kalam Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “These claims are part of a conspiracy against me. I am up for a promotion soon, and I am being targeted by an internal departmental plot to block it.”