Staff Reporter

Saifur Rahman, Additional Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), has come under scrutiny over allegations of amassing substantial assets in his own name and through others, influencing government projects and controlling a contractor syndicate during his tenure in several key positions.

Saifur, currently in charge of the Khulna zone, has also been accused by several people familiar with PWD activities of using his official position to influence contracting processes and accumulate wealth beyond his known sources of income.

Preliminary information gathered during an inquiry points to properties allegedly linked to him in Dhaka, Tangail and Purbachal, as well as a flat in the United States (US). The assets reportedly include houses in Mohammadpur and Mirpur, a plot in Purbachal, a duplex house in Ghatail, a three-storey market, a recreational facility and a restaurant in Tangail.

The combined value of the assets has been estimated by sources at more than Tk50 crore.

However, the ownership, acquisition costs, present market values and sources of funds for all the properties have yet to be independently verified. Documentary verification of land records, deeds, bank transactions, tax returns and asset declarations is therefore necessary before any definitive conclusion can be reached.

Allegations of a contractor syndicate in Azimpur

Some contractors who worked with the Azimpur PWD division have alleged that Saifur built a system of influence over government contracts while serving as its executive engineer.

According to several contractors who spoke on condition of anonymity, files requiring approval or signatures could face delays unless payments were made at predetermined rates.

Some of them alleged that money equivalent to around 10 per cent of the value of certain works was demanded in connection with file approvals and signatures.

The allegations could not be independently verified through complete tender records, payment documents or financial transaction records. Such documents would be essential to establish whether any systematic financial arrangement existed.

Nevertheless, the recurrence of similar allegations from multiple contractors raises questions that warrant examination of the relevant procurement and payment records.

Houses, land and businesses

Preliminary information gathered in the inquiry suggests that properties allegedly connected to Saifur include two houses in Mohammadpur and Mirpur and a plot in Purbachal.

Sources also identified a duplex house in Ghatail, Tangail, and a three-storey market on Bazar Road in the area.

Saifur, however, has denied personal ownership of the market, saying it is registered in his brother’s name and was inherited as jointly owned family property.

A former LPG filling station at the Saluddin Cantonment intersection is also said to have been replaced by a facility known as ‘Sonartori Park’. Nearby, a restaurant called ‘Kathbadam’ is reportedly located on land whose value is estimated by sources at around Tk1 crore.

The key questions are who actually owns these properties, when and at what prices they were acquired, how the purchases were financed and whether the assets are consistent with the official’s declared income and wealth.

Answers to these questions would require scrutiny of registration documents, mutation records, bank transactions, tax returns and official asset declarations.

Property in the United States

Sources have also claimed that a flat in the United States is linked to Saifur and that his daughter lives there.

The ownership and financing of the property could not be independently established from documents available to this newspaper.

Verification of foreign property records, remittance or banking information and relevant tax documents would be necessary to establish the source of funds and actual ownership.

Questions over postings and political influence

Saifur has also faced allegations that his proximity to politically influential quarters during the previous Awami League government helped him secure several important postings in the PWD.

He served as executive engineer of the Azimpur PWD division and as supervising engineer of the Bogura PWD Circle, among other positions.

People familiar with PWD affairs have alleged that he used his influence in those positions to exert control over government development projects and contracting activities.

There are also allegations of his contact with controversial contractors G K Shamim and Golden Monir.

No independent documentary evidence establishing wrongdoing or a direct financial relationship between Saifur and the two contractors was available to this newspaper.

Allegations linked to 2024 unrest

Several sources have further alleged that Saifur supported the Awami League during the 2024 student-led mass uprising and played a role in providing financial support for activities aimed at suppressing the movement.

No bank records, financial transaction documents, case records or investigation reports supporting the allegation were obtained for this report.

The allegation therefore requires independent investigation and should not be treated as an established fact.

There are also allegations that Saifur was involved in alleged illicit activities at several five-star hotels in Dhaka allegedly financed by G K Shamim and Golden Monir. No independently verified evidence supporting the claim was found.

Controversy surrounding a female accounts assistant

Some sources have also referred to discussions involving a female accounts assistant during Saifur’s tenure at the Azimpur PWD division.

However, no specific written complaint, official record, case document or independent investigation relating to the matter was found. The issue therefore requires verification before any conclusion can be drawn.

What Saifur said?

Attempts were made to contact Saifur Rahman by phone for his comments on the allegations, but no response was obtained.

He was subsequently sent the allegations through WhatsApp and asked to provide his comments in writing.

In his written response, Saifur explained that the properties in Tangail were inherited and jointly owned family assets. He denied the other allegations.

The questions that remain

The allegations against a senior government engineer warrant examination not merely through statements but through documentary evidence.

A comprehensive inquiry would require scrutiny of tender documents, work orders, project estimates, bills and vouchers, measurement records, payment approvals and bank transactions relating to projects handled during his tenure.

His declared assets and those of relevant family members should also be compared with land records, property registrations, business interests, income-tax returns and official wealth statements.

If the allegations are substantiated, they would raise serious questions about the alleged misuse of public office and government resources. If they are unfounded, documentary evidence should be able to establish that as well.

A thorough and independent inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Commission, the PWD and other relevant authorities could therefore help establish the facts surrounding Saifur Rahman’s assets, official conduct and the allegations of influence over government contracting.